In Business / October 2007
Can You Ask For A Raise? Now? Can You Get It?
You’ve been at your job for a few years. The economy is bad. Businesses are stretching the dollar. You hear about layoffs and plant closings. Do you ask for a raise or just be happy you have a job that pays the bills?
The first step to getting a raise is to get the facts and figures to justify your request for more pay. If you do your homework, it's much easier to build a compelling case. Look at websites like Monster.com and Salary.com. Research industry journals and professional associations to see what people in your position typically make. Speak with your colleagues and check recruitment ads in local newspapers and the classifieds. If you realize that a transcriptionist in West Virginia makes between, $25,000 to $34,000 and you're being paid $18,000, you have information to back up your request. If however, you find out that you are paid within the going range or more than the going rate, then you might want to re-consider asking for a raise, unless you are doing other things above what a typical transcriptionist does for which you are not being compensated. If the goal is to get more money, requesting a raise isn't always the only or even best way to get it done. Some companies have very defined pools of money. Some money is for raises, some for promotions, and even some for "counter offers." Since promotions usually come with more money, requesting a promotion may be even easier than requesting a raise. Before having the “money talk,” it’s also important to evaluate your level of job satisfaction. Consider creative options and other benefits to improve your situation if your salary is non-negotiable. You may want to consider back-up career plans as well. Money isn’t always the key to job happiness.
Don’t beat around the bush with your request. Be straightforward and confident. You are a valuable member of a team and the supervisor hired you because they obviously thought you were the best qualified. Chances are your boss will automatically say no. Don’t accept that as if it is written in concrete.
It only means that you should more clearly demonstrate why you should receive a raise. And if you get a no again, then suggest alternatives. Be prepared with some alternatives you would like to receive if an increase in wage is out of the question. But remember, never give an ultimatum, demand or threat unless you have another job already waiting. Don’t raise your tone of voice if your boss objects to your raise at first. Be professional and polite at all times.
Role play with a trusted friend. Have them play your boss. An outsider is more likely to see a weakness or an area that you have missed than you are. Listen to yourself and what the role player hears. Following these guidelines may not send you into the next tax bracket, but they will improve your chances of getting that well-deserved raise. If it seems to be that the ONLY answer at this time is no, find out why. Is it the economy or your performance? If it is your performance, find out how to make an improvement, make it and then ask again.
When asking for a raise, ask for an amount that’s slightly higher than one you would accept. For example, if you would be happy with a 5% raise, ask for one a couple of points above it, maybe a 7 or 8% raise. This leaves some room for negotiating.
Choose a specific day and time to meet with your supervisor about your raise. Normally it is good to avoid Mondays and Fridays. Studies have actually shown that people are more receptive on a Tuesday or Wednesday after lunch. If you’re afraid of being interrupted during the time you are asking for your raise, then ask to speak to your supervisor for a few minutes after hours.
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