Are you thinking of asking for a raise? If so, you might be feeling pretty nervous. But, properly preparing before you make your proposal for a raise can vastly increase your chances of success.
Talking about money can be a big deal at work. As a result, many of us feel uneasy about salary negotiation. Research shows that one of the most common reasons for not negotiating salary is feeling uncomfortable asking for more money.
To overcome those nerves, prepare and learn when and how to ask for a raise so that your request will be heard by a receptive audience. Then, build a strategy that will help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Here’s a list of the top ten dos and don’ts when it comes to asking for a raise.
1. Ask after a big accomplishment.
Just scored a deal or landed a big sale? It’s a good time to ask for a pay raise. Capitalize on the momentum of your success, and you may find yourself in an ideal position to ask for a salary increase.
2. Write, and rehearse, an agenda.
Don’t walk into your meeting without having prepared beforehand. Brainstorm on a list of concrete reasons as to why you deserve a raise, write them down, and rehearse them to ensure a confident and convincing delivery.
In addition to listing your accomplishments, you could mention a recent expansion in your responsibilities at work, additional tasks you’ve taken on, new strategies you’ve adopted, projects you’ve spearheaded, and any plans you have to further increase your department’s success.
You may also want to consider typing up and printing out a copy for your boss, so they can look it over and discuss it with other supervisors if necessary.
3. Time your request accordingly
Familiarize yourself with your company’s review policy. Do they carry out performance reviews every three months? Every six months? Every year? Discreetly discuss with your co-workers, or consult with your human resources department to get a sense of the timeline. If possible, you should also try to align your request with the company’s financial trajectory.
Try asking when new funding is coming in, when the new fiscal year is starting, or when you think your employer could easily factor in an increase in pay.
4. Dress the part
Even if your office dress code tends to be causal, when it comes to the time for your meeting, you should look the part. Take those few extra minutes to put on a tie, iron your blouse, or pull your dress shoes out of the closet. Although you don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard, looking polished and professional can’t hurt, and will only help you feel more confident as you make your case.
5. Have other options on the back burner.
No one wants to hear “no” for an answer, but rejection can present an opportunity to make another proposition:
Do you want to inquire about working from home one day per week?. Are you in need of a new mobile phone or laptop for your work purposes?. Is there a conference or industry event you’d like to attend?. Your boss may be more likely to say “yes” to a smaller request after saying no to a big one.
Also read:
– Professional Tips That Can Help You Earn Respect At Your Workplace
– Four Tips On How To Avoid Being The Focus Of Workplace Gossip
– These Five Tips Will Show You How To Use Your Cell Phone At Work
6. Don’t ask via email
Although it’s acceptable to schedule a meeting via email, you really should have the conversation about getting a raise in person. It’s the best way to show that you’re serious and will also allow you to gauge your boss’s reaction to your request.
Ask your boss when they might have some free time to discuss a question regarding your salary. You might even see if they are available for a lunch meeting, which might be a more comfortable setting in which to have the conversation.
7. Don’t ask at a high-stress time
Be sensitive to the time you approach your supervisor about the possibility of a raise. If your boss is particularly stressed and overworked, it’s probably not the best time to bring up the topic. If you can, wait it out and ask during a lull, or at least when you see that your supervisor is in a good mood.
8. Don’t give an ultimatum
Unless you’re willing to lose the job, be careful about how you approach the topic. You don’t want to come across as too demanding. Of course, be confident and assertive in your request, but be aware of your tone and focus on being patient, professional, and understanding.
Apply caution when you negotiate. You’ll probably want to avoid framing it in a way that sounds like a demand “I need this raise, or else!”. You should try to stay on good terms with your boss even if they say no.
9. Don’t use information about colleagues’ salaries as a reason why you should get a raise
Avoid bringing office gossip into your discussion. Even if you know someone makes more money than you and you think that you deserve a salary that’s equal or higher it’s advisable not to mention it.
It’s just not professional; you never know if what you’ve heard, or overheard, is true. Instead, focus on your own individual experience and accomplishments and why you should get a raise on your own merits, not based on what other people are getting paid.
10. Don’t supply too much personal information
Ideally, you should try to craft your proposal in a way that focuses on the reasons why you deserve an increase in salary, rather than why you might need one. There are some things that are better left unsaid when you’re talking about a pay increase.
Unless you have an exceptionally familiar relationship with your boss it’s a good idea to avoid citing personal reasons like your spouse lost his or her job, or you’re sending another child to the university, or if an investment went bad. Instead keep the emphasis on what you’ve done to merit a raise.
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