Get that raise you know you deserve!
I have never enjoyed the process of asking for a raise. I
find it stressful and extremely awkward having to “toot my own horn” in order
to be given a raise. I’m sure we are
all also aware that if you don’t ask you will never receive. It’s the asking
part that tends to cause stress and anxiety. Whether you want or need the money,
you are still going to have to have that discussion with your boss. I know the easiest
choice would be to stay quiet and hope they give you a raise but in doing so
you never get the opportunity to be heard and seen as a confident and strong
employee. I encourage you to ask for a raise if and when you feel it is
deserved. I feel it is positive to compare yourself and measure your successes.
That way you continue to challenge yourself while setting realistic goals.
Some good things to know prior to that awkward conversation:
- § How much do you want? Know how much you want and what you are willing to settle with. You may be at a point where it is “make or break” and so you need to know what number you are willing to accept or what number will result in your resignation. I’m not saying give an ultimatum (because nobody likes those) but I’m saying know how much you’re worth and know how much you are willing to work for. You can find plenty of information online about salary calculators and how to compare your role to the industry standard but each situation is unique. You could have higher expectations of yourself than someone else and therefore be asking for more than the average “receptionist.”
- § Focus on the future - yes, it is good to highlight your past successes but the reality is that if they are going to pay you more then they will likely want to know how much more of an asset you can be. A company is more often than not willing to invest in someone or something if they see a value in it. At the end of the day we are all here to make money and so treating your discussion as if it were a business transaction may in fact be the best approach and yield the best results.
- § Timing – I would hope that you would have the common sense to know when to ask for a raise and when not to. If people in the office are getting laid off or are worried about the future of the Company then perhaps asking for a raise may not be the best idea. I have learnt that there never really is a good time, however, I would hope that you would know when the Company is being successful and try to capitalize then. Some good examples of a good time would be if the Company exceeded its sales forecasts, if you have received some public recognition or perhaps if your boss is simply in a good mood.
- § Be prepared for a NO. Regardless of how hard you’ve worked, how great your negotiation skills are the answer could very possibly still be no. The most important thing to do when receiving the negative news is to try to keep your emotions under control. You obviously don’t agree with their answer of no but you cannot express this. They know you are disappointed so don’t bother telling them about it, instead see it as more of a challenge than a defeat. Ask when there is a good time for a follow up discussion, that way you can plan for it and come even more prepared.
Remember, you are only worth as much as someone is willing to pay you, so go out there and get what you deserve!
Some helpful websites to visit in preparing for your discussion:
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