Here are some tips for making sure you are ahead of the game when you ask for it.
Know what the bottom line is. Research what other companies are paying people in your position. Ask yourself if your boss will agree that you are worth the same thing. If your answer is yes be able to back that up.
Don’t go to the boss because a team mate is making more. Pay rates are based on individual job performance. There may be a reason they exceed your pay level.
Be honest with yourself. Does your effort bring forth achievement? In the past year have you achieved your objectives time and again or just barely made it?
Go into the manager’s office prepared. Have already played out all of the possible outcomes in your head so you are ready for whatever answer comes forth. Throwing a temper tantrum should not be part of any of these scenes.
Watch your manager. If they are under a ton of stress then it may not be the right time to ask for an increase in pay. If your company uses an appraisal system don’t rock the boat, when it’s time for your review then ask not before.
Asking for a raise should not be akin to ultimatums unless you honestly will walk out the door don’t say you will.
“If you have a manager who is worth their salt, they won’t give in to blackmail like that,” Professor Binna Kandola, a senior partner at Pearn Kandola says.
A pay raise may not be the only alternative when it comes to negotiation time. Benefits can also be part of the package.
Ask for a challenge along with the raise, something to show the company that they are justified in upping your salary or position. This is the time to show your boss that you’re in this job for more than just the money. By taking the incentive to ask for more responsibility instead of waiting for your boss to give it to you shows that the company made the right choice in hiring you in the first place.
