Tips To Help You Ask for A Raise

When you are budgeting your income against your expenses, you may find that you are coming up short on the income side. If you have been working at your current job for some time, you may find it has come time to ask for a raise. There are some things to consider before asking for more money at your job. There are also some helpful hints for getting that raise you deserve. Keep in mind that not all supervisors automatically think about raises. Sometimes it take an employee to call to their attention that an employee review is necessary.

Before Asking For More

While many employees would love the opportunity to make more money, you need to first conduct a reality check before you venture into your boss’s office. Before seeking more money, ask yourself if you really deserve one. Have you been showing up to work on time? Do you give it your all each day? Are you a responsible employee who is looking to stay on board for some time? If you can honestly say that you have been a respectable, responsible employee, proceed on.

Research your salary. You can not just bring your boss a random number you hope to make for a salary figure. Visit your state’s Department of Labor for salary statistics in your area or other sites like Salary.com  to learn what people in your position and in your area are making.

Prepare a well thought out presentation about your job responsibilities, the work you actually do, any specific achievements you’ve made or goals you have reached since your start or your last raise. The more prepared you are going in, the more likely your boss will take note of your dedication to your cause.

While Asking

When you have sufficiently prepared yourself for the big day, schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your salary. Many companies already have guidelines in place for employee reviews, many will not. If your employee does not have a set practice or has not broached the subject of employee reviews, don’t be afraid to set an appointment.

When meeting with your boss, be direct and professional. Beating around the bush about the nature of your appointment will take away from your professional appearance. It can be nerve-racking to discuss money, but if you are prepared in your knowledge of the salary you deserve, stick with the point of the conversation. Don’t let intimidation scare you out of asking for what you deserve.

After your presentation has concluded, listen to what your boss has to say. If you feel the conversation is not headed in your favor, don’t give up. Be ready to respectfully negotiate your points. If your employer will not agree to a raise at that time, ask them to provide you with a time line of when you can expect an increase. This may also be the prime time to discuss your current job performance. You can ask for specific reasons about the declination and show a willingness to comply with their suggestions. Perhaps you can also ask if there are additional opportunities for overtime where you can make more money.

If your employer is willing to increase your salary, be sure you have an understanding of how much of an increase you can expect and the date the increase will take affect. Ask for a written confirmation that outlines the terms of the changes.

If your employer will not make an immediate decision, ask them when to expect an answer. Perhaps if they need to confer with other management personnel or human resources, they will not be able to give you an answer. Be patient but hold your employer to their own date and promptly follow up soon after the day.

Regardless of the outcome, be sure to thank your supervisor for their time and consideration. Continue to remain respectful and professional.

Keep the information and the nature of your appointment with your employer to yourself. Confidentiality about your salary is important and should not be fodder for the office watercooler.

If you decide to stay, continue working to the best of your abilities and show a progressive interest in maintaining a position within the company. Depending on what guidelines were set up during your meeting or what the company’s policy is for employee reviews, be sure to follow up accordingly with your employer.

If you have been denied for more money, it may be time to take a serious look at a change in employment. Since the job market is a tough one in some fields, you’ll need to contemplate the pros and cons of staying and leaving. Consider the entire benefits package you currently have in addition to your salary. If you do decide to leave the company, be sure to not burn any bridges before you go. A good reference may be the ticket you need to get the next job.