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Asking For a Raise Overview

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Posted by Your Guide on October 6, 2006 7:17 PM

So you've worked hard for your company. You even did a lot of overtime and extended yourself many times just to complete tasks you were assigned. You really worked hard for long stretches of time. You've been working for this same company for over a year now. You have taken stock of your finances and feel that some more money would help you balance your life better. You look at your present situation and find that it is time to ask for a raise. The only thing is you are sure how to go about it. You don't want to appear callous or cold. You also don't want to come across as bossy or demanding. So how can you handle this problem and get what you want? Here are some things you need to consider before you ask for your raise:

• Do you deserve it: The number one question would be if you deserve a raise? Your boss may look at you and ask that question. What would you say to him? How would you reply? Your answer could determine whether you get the raise or not.
• Have a strategy: Any time when you consider something that involves the boss, you better have a strategy before you even see him. This is important for you because if you walk in without one, you won't know how to handle situations that may arise.
• Know when to request the raise: This is not too hard a rule to know. You have to look at your calendar to see when your yearly review is coming. Are you near it for your raise or have you past it and didn't get anything. Or perhaps you are past it but you feel you still deserve more. These are thoughts you need to consider ahead of time.
• Read your boss: The first thing you should do before you approach your boss is find out what his personality and his business style is. If you know these factors it can help you to gear your speech or presentation toward him in a certain way that is more pleasing to him.
• Avoid mistakes: Whatever you do, don't say you need the money. Instead, show him you are worth it by the contributions you made to the company. Also, don't be unreasonable, immature, or even unprofessional. Instead, respect him as the boss and compromise over the raise. Another thing to avoid is asking to be paid the same as your co-worker who may sit next to you. He will think you are being to nosy and not working hard enough.
• Ask for the raise: After you have taken everything into consideration and you feel you deserve it, go for it. Be diplomatic but aggressive and see what happens.



Next Page: The Best Strategies for Asking for a Raise

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