How to Get a Pay Raise
Date Added: September 10, 2008 06:01:04 PM
When you’re doing a good job, there is no valid reason for an argument being used against your efforts to improve your financial position. If you have a position of responsibility anywhere then you should be paid for it. Your salary should not be commensurate with your expenses but with your performance. You should be paid for what you contribute to the company and your sex and social position should not jeopardize (or enhance) your ability to command a reasonable salary.
So, taking this all into consideration, how should you approach your boss if you feel you need a pay raise?
First of all you must review your position in the firm. If you now do more responsible work than you did when you joined, or when you receive your last increment, then you are being underpaid.
An increase in workload should be accompanied by a similar increase in salary. Look at your performance since your salary was last reviewed. If you have made a significant contribution to the company and helped it earn bigger profits, either by cutting costs or increasing sales, then you are entitled to a larger slice of the cake.
Every company exists to make money and your help in bringing this about should be recognized and appreciated.
Make a list of all the reasons you think you deserve a raise. Don't be vague about this, but specific and realistic. Quote facts and figures and then you will be sure of your argument. Your discussion with your boss will have to be based on reason and logic, not on emotion and conjecture.
Next, make an appointment with your boss. The best time to do this is after you have finished a successful project or been praised for your work. You now have absolute proof that you are functioning well in your position. Try to fix a time when you know that your boss is also feeling good. If he has been successful recently, then he is more likely to be feeling generous.
Take your written list in with you, speak calmly and put forth your arguments as reasonably as possible. Your attitude should be that a raise is something you have worked for and deserve, and not a favor you have to plead for.
Stress that you like your job, that you have worked hard in the past and are willing to continue doing so, and that you have every intention of staying in the company and doing well, but you are feeling overlooked.
Be as positive as possible both in your attitude and in the aspects of your work you emphasize.
Try never to lose your composure, become emotional for irrational. Prepare yourself for the counter arguments, so that you can reply to them.
This will require some background work and may involve investigating the company's financial position and the salaries your colleagues are receiving.
Never be vague about the amount you are asking for. Check the classified advertisements to find out what the going rate is for the type of work you are doing.
If you are unsure of the amount you want, then you may leave the interview with a nominal increase only.
Never threaten to leave your present employment unless you are 100% certain that you can carry it through. If you do use this strategy, then you must be prepared for the worst.
After your discussion, leave the written memorandum with your boss so that he can look it over at leisure. Once he sees your claim in writing, and checks your performance against the records, then he could reconsider his negative or hesitant response. With a bit of luck he will, and you will be better off than before the interview.
