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The Best Strategies for Asking for a Raise

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

You have spent quite a long time working hard and putting yourself out for that boss of yours and now you feel it is time for you to get a raise. You need to take the step forward to ask for it since your boss will not do so. Here are suggested ways to prepare yourself to ask for that necessary raise:

• Do you deserve it: Before you walk into the door of your boss you have to be prepared and in the right frame of mind. You have to show confidence when dealing with your boss. If you back off or act like a wimp you won't be taken seriously. If you know you deserve a raise, stand up for yourself and let your boss know it. It would be a good idea to develop a list of everything you did for the company and for your boss. Back up your words with cold hard facts. Show him the evidence. Let him see how you improved the company's bottom line, or how you managed your department, or whatever duties you were given to do. The bottom line here is to show him how you contributed to the company and how you went above and beyond the call of duty for him.
• Have a strategy: Here you need to do research and preparation. Find out what the standard salary for your position. Also think about what objections the boss may make, and how to deliver your presentation to your boss without backing down. 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. If you boss should provide any objections to why you can't have a raise, oppose those objections with facts showing how he can do it. Maybe he can offer some alternative like stocks, bonds, or any revenue you made for the company, if you are the salesman. If your boss absolutely refuses you a raise, request to see his superior and take your case higher up. If he declines the request, you know where you stand. At this point in time you may need to move on to another company that will consider frequent raises.
• Know when to request the raise: Here you will need to consider how close you are to your annual review. If your review is several months past, you may want to hit your boss with the request. Here you can talk about your past performance and compensation. Depending on how your boss operates, he may request it by email or in person. Also look at your company's financial reports. This will determine whether or not the company has the extra cash to provide you with a raise or not.
• 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: The morning before you go for your appointment, make sure you are cleaned and neat. Brush your teeth and be well-groomed. Also be prepared if your conversation does not go your way. Prepare objections before hand so you can rebuke them. Make sure you have your accomplishments with you so your boss can see them. Also, let your boss present the offer first. If you like it, thank him with a handshake and leave. If the amount is too low, suggest what the average worker is making in the field. Hopefully he will see it your way. 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: What to Look For When Asking For A Raise

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