Asking For A Raise - Do's and Dont's

Feeling like you need a raise but don’t know how to go about asking? Here’s 8 tips on what to do and what NOT to do when asking for a raise.

DO

1. Be Prepared. You can’t just burst into your bosses office demanding a raise - you need a plan of action. Get a list together of all the projects you’ve worked on since your last raise. Make note of how successful they have been and how they’ve increased productivity or saved the company money. Make a list of your job skills (especially any new ones you have learned) and the features that make you an asset to the company. Find out what the typical raise or salary is for someone in your position. Go in armed with facts and it will be hard for your boss to dispute you!

2. Ask for an amount that’s slightly higher than one you would be happy with. If you would be happy with a 5% raise, ask for one a couple of points above it. That way, if your boss starts to negotiate, you won’t feel as if your worth has been diluted any by getting less than what you feel you deserve.

3. Anticipate to negotiate. Your company may be going through a slow time or there may be issues you are not aware of. You need to anticipate this and be flexible. You should also have planned out your responses in case your boss suggests a lower amount. You may want to try other ways of getting a raise too, such as additional vacation time, employee perks or more time off. All of these can be just as good (if not better!) than an actual amount of money.

4. Pick your time wisely. Avoid choosing a Monday or Friday because that’s typically when bosses are at their busiest. According to studies, people are most receptive after lunch on Tuesday or Wednesday. At any rate, try to select a time when your boss will have a few spare minutes and won’t be distracted with other things. If you’re afraid of being interrupted during your request, ask to speak to your supervisor for a few minutes after hours.

DON’T

1. Raise your tone of voice if your boss objects to your raise at first. Remember, he or she is paying you to do a certain job, and you’re asking for more money to do the same job. Be professional and polite at all times, and listen more than demand. Chances are, if your supervisor doesn’t award you a raise, they might hint at what else could be done to earn it. If they don’t, don’t be afraid to ask what steps would be necessary to “prove yourself”.

2. Threaten with quitting if you don’t get the raise or telling your boss you have another job offer unless you actually do. He may just call your bluff and let you go!

3. Beat around the bush. Be confident and get right to the point. Now hemming and hawing. Obviously, you are a valued employee because they think you are best qualified for the job so be confident. If you have “Thank You” notes from customers or letters from the company praising you for a job well done, bring those to your meeting as well, as they’ll help to cement your request and remind your supervisor of your role within the company and its progress.

4. Make comparisons between yourself and coworkers and never speak negatively of a coworker. This will only show that you have a poor attitude and are not a team player. It could actually do more harm than good to your career.

The best strategy is to be professional, have confidence in yourself and use tact. If your boss says “no” then perhaps you need to show him how valuable you are by volunteering to take on more projects or stay an extra hour to help out. You want to let him see that you are willing to earn your raise.