Feeling overworked and underpaid? If you're starting to feel like you deserve a raise, here are eight DO's and DON'Ts to build your confidence and tact (and what to avoid!) in asking for the salary you feel you deserve.
DO
1. Devise a "Plan of Action". First and foremost, get a strategy together.
Make a note of the specific projects you've undertaken and the results you've
accomplished. List all of your job skills and the features that make you an
asset to this company. Find out what a typical raise is for someone with your
experience in your area of occupation. Know the facts and be realistic in your
request.
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. Remember, your boss shouldn't be the only one negotiating. If your company
is going through a slow period or the economy is down, try to be flexible and
know how to respond if your boss suggests a lower amount than what you may have
been expecting. Consider 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. Choose a specific day and time to meet with your supervisor about your
raise request. Avoid choosing a Monday or Friday when bosses are at their
busiest. Studies have actually shown that people are more receptive on a Tuesday
or Wednesday after lunch. That way, they're not thinking about the weekend or
their stomachs while you're getting up the nerve to ask about a raise! 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. Stumble or beat around the bush with your request. Be straightforward and
confident. You are a valuable member of a team and the supervisor hired you
because they obviously thought you were the best qualified. 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. Compare yourself to, or talk negatively about your coworkers or others in
a position higher than you. You may think that this will put you in a positive
light when it comes to a promotion or a raise, but to your boss, it shows that
if you have a poor attitude toward your colleagues, you'll keep the same poor
attitude if you are promoted.
Remember, be confident, professional and tactful. If the boss says "no" or
wants to "think about it", open his mind to further consideration by
volunteering to do more at the office. Stay an extra hour or help another team
on a critical project. This demonstrates that you're willing to "tow the mark"
rather than giving your boss the impression of "gimme the money first and THEN
I'll work". Good luck!
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? 2005 David A. Bailey,
Jr. All rights reserved.
Feel free to forward this in its entirety to anyone
you wish.
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