Asking your employer for a raise can be an anxiety-inducing task in any business at any level. Many individuals worry that their request may be rejected and squash the idea before bringing it to a supervisor’s attention, or they feel that they may in some way offend their employer by making the request. From an employer’s perspective, I can honestly say that if done appropriately and professionally, a pay raise request is never frowned upon and is often granted if all the necessary components are in place. Below you will find five tips on talking your way into a pay raise.
1. Know your value
Try to understand how integral you are to the organization, and have facts readily available to prove it. I have always recommended to take note of when you are commended for a job well done, being able to cite these moments in a negotiation can certainly support your argument. Knowing your role within the organization will demonstrate your knowledge of the organization and having past successes that can readily be cited back to will help you be persuasive.
2. Have a specific amount ready
Not having a number prepared will severely diminish your chances of getting what you want. Remember, you may have only a few moments to plead your case so have a specific and realistic number in mind. Nothing is much more tedious than granting a pay raise, and then having to speculate what amount would be appropriate.
3. Facilitate a time and place
Pay raises take careful consideration and should be requested privately. Asking a manager for a pay raise in passing, or in front of your peers can almost guarantee you a denial. The best outcome usually results from asking a manager to meet with you privately when they have some availability in their schedule. This will grant you the right setting and time to make your request, and your manager will not feel inconvenienced.
4. Do not give ultimatums
You as an individual would not be appreciative of being put under an ultimatum, so don’t subject your manager to a similar situation. Try to avoid statements such as “I need this raise, or I am going to look for employment elsewhere.” Raises are earned, not ransomed.
5. Practice...practice...practice
Essentially you are making a sale when requesting a pay raise. You are selling your abilities for a higher status within the organization. Selling is a serious skill. Underselling yourself will get you denied, overselling yourself will lead to serious issues later on in your career. Like any skill, practice makes perfect, so do a little roleplaying with someone you trust. Practice asking for a raise, answer questions that correspond with such a question, and identify the questions you had not expected.
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Michael Chiovitti, Chief Talent Strategist
Eden Resources, LLC
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