Tips For Requesting A Raise
By Bonnie Lowe, Fri Dec 9th
You probably think you deserve a raise. But does your boss thinkso? Here's how to go about convincing your boss that you'rereally worth more than you're being paid.
First, you must realize that doing a great job is NOT a goodenough reason to justify a raise. Your employer EXPECTS you todo a great job. Your performance must be "over and above" whatother employees in similar positions are doing. And you can'trely on your boss to recognize your true worth without help fromyou. If you don't ask for one, you may never get a raise.
So here's what you do. First, make a list of your specificaccomplishments that EXCEED the job you were hired to do. Makeyour list as specific as possible. Provide a detailed record ofhow you've beaten goals, taken on additional responsibilities,and contributed to the organization's success in ways that weresignificant.
Second, do some research, perhaps at a site like Salary.com.Find out what others in similar positions at other companies aremaking. If it's more, you definitely want to have thisinformation to back up your request. (If it's less, don'tmention it and be satisfied with what you're earning!)
When you have your ammunition ready, wait for the right time toask your boss if you can talk with him about your performance.Timing is critical! You want to talk to him when he's in a GOODMOOD. If he's in a bad mood, distracted by work problems, orotherwise not very approachable, WAIT. It doesn't matter howeager you are to request your raise. If your boss is not in agood mood, you'll just be wasting your time.
Once you've determined the timing is right, tell your boss thatyou
would appreciate his considering giving you a raise, basedon your "above and beyond" performance. Say you've taken theliberty of writing out your accomplishments for his easyreference, and give him your list. Then mention (if appropriate)what employees in similar positions are earning at othercompanies, and give him the data to back it up.
Do not mention a specific salary figure that you'd like to earn.This is the beginning of a negotiation process, and your firststep is to convince your boss that your request deservesconsideration. Once you pass that hurdle, be prepared to suggesta RANGE, such as a 3-5% increase.
If you've presented a good case and you know from your researchthat you are worth more than you are being paid, chance are goodthat you'll obtain your raise. But it depends on many factors,least of which may be your boss's desire to keep you on hisstaff. He may agree that you deserve a raise and desperatelywant to give it to you, but this may not be a decision he hasthe authority to make. Plus the company's budget is anotherimportant factor. Depending on how well things are going, theresimply may not be enough in the coffers to pay you what you'reworth.
If for whatever reason you are unsuccessful in obtaining araise, you'll need to decide what your next step should be. Ifyou love your job, you may be willing to continue working there.If not, be prepared to start looking elsewhere if a highersalary is your top priority.
About the author:Bonnie Lowe is author of the popular "Job Interview SuccessSystem" and publishes a free information-packed ezine called"Career-Life Times." Find out about those resources and checkout powerful strategies for job seekers at her website:http://www.best-interview-strategies.com.
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