Do you want a bigger salary, but it is looking like it is not going to happen unless you ask for it?
Perhaps the most common reason people do not get the raises they want is because they simply do not ask for one.
Why is it that employees do not ask for salary increases?
Here are some of the more common reasons.
- Uncertain of How to Ask
- Fear of Rejection
- Lack of Self-Confidence
- Fear of Ridicule
- Not Sure of When to Ask
- Unsure of Who to Ask
If you can relate to one of the problems listed above, keep in mind that you may not get a salary increase unless you ask. People who make the most money and seem the most satisfied in their jobs are typically those who are not afraid to ask for what they want.
By using the valuable tips described below, you may be able to get that pay raise you so desperately need.
Conduct Some Research
First of all, before you ask for a raise, conduct a bit of research and try to discover the average salaries for other people who hold comparable positions in your line of work. You can accomplish this by either asking people directly or checking various salary websites such as Salary.com, Indeed.com and Vault.com.
You will want to conduct a bit of research on the company you work for as well.
Try to find out information pertaining to its current performance. Is it enjoying high profits, or is it struggling to stay afloat? Have they been dishing out raises to other employees, or have they been looking towards cutbacks instead?
Prepare Yourself in Advance
Once you have collected all of your research, discovered you are worth more and learned that your company is doing quite well financially, you will then need to prepare yourself for a meeting with your boss.
Sit down and make a list of all of the ways that you have contributed to the business. In this way, you can prove your worth to your employer when you meet with him or her.
Remember to be specific when explaining your accomplishments to your boss.
Typically, contributions that helped the company financially in some way are those that will impress your employer. Finally, while big accomplishments are great, do not forget the terrific small contributions you have made to the company as well!
Choose the Right Time
In most cases, you should discuss salary and pay raises with your immediate supervisor. However, you will want to make sure that you pick a time to talk when your boss will not be busy. For example, it is usually not a good idea to discuss important subjects on Fridays when most businesses are bogged down with customers.
While you may think that Mondays are the best days to talk with your boss, this is not true. Many employers spend their time on Mondays recovering from the weekend and planning for the upcoming new work week.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to plan a meeting with your boss. Keep in mind that Thursdays are no good either as they are often spent preparing for the weekend.
Meeting with the Boss
When you meet with your boss, it is essential that you appear professional, confident and enthusiastic. Offer your hand for a firm handshake prior to your discussion and be sure to smile and thank your employer for taking the time out to meet with you. During the meeting, steer away from too much casual talk. Stay on point.
Let your employer know the purpose of the meeting, but do not go into detail about why you need more money.
This is not only unnecessary, but employers are typically not concerned with their staff’s financial hardships. Focus the discussion on the contributions you have made to the company and why you feel you are worthy of a raise.
Have a Figure in Mind
In most cases, your boss will ask you what type of raise you desire. In such a scenario, ask for a figure slightly higher than the figure you have in mind.
Of course, the employer will most likely meet your request with a figure that is smaller. Nevertheless, this is perfectly okay as you wanted the smaller figure in the first place!
Handling a Rejection
You did everything recommended; however, your employer rejected your request. What do you do now? If your boss refuses to increase your salary, do not take it personally! Remain calm and ask your employer what you can do to increase your worth to the company. While your boss is answering your question, take mental notes.
Use everything that your boss tells you to hone your skills on the job. Do not forget anything! After some time, when you feel you have lived up to your employer’s expectations, you can request a meeting again. In short, if your are rejected, use that rejection to your advantage!
Asking for a raise may seem difficult at first, but it is really quite easy when you follow the helpful advice offered above. If you are a good employee who has made several valuable contributions to the business, your boss will see your worth. Do not be afraid to negotiate!