Asking for a raise can be an awkward, stressful experience. But if you’re well prepared, it can be simpler than you may expect.
Put yourself in your manager’s shoes and design your approach accordingly. In the words of Harvard Business School Professor Kathleen McGinn, “Think about why your boss should even consider granting your request.” Consider their priorities – and how you can help.
Use these three tips to demonstrate how you add value and make a unique difference to your company:
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Do your research.
Preparation is critical. Gather all the facts and data you need to bolster your case before you go into the meeting where you pitch your raise.
- Look at the average salary for your position, in your geographic area. How does your current pay rate compare? Then, you can go in with a reasonable target sum in mind. The average for merit-based raises is generally somewhere between 1 percent and 5 percent, but extraordinary factors may be exceptions to this rule.
- Once you have your target number, prepare your supporting evidence. For instance, how many sales or how much profit have you brought to your company? How much have you saved your employer via increased productivity? If you are in a non-revenue-producing role, use emails and other testimonials from clients, colleagues and higher-ups to support your position.
- Gather facts about your contributions. These may include money-saving efficiencies that you have implemented or positive results from projects you have overseen. Remember, your boss may not be aware of all you have accomplished in recent months.
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Illustrate your plan for the future.
Prior to your meeting, determine exactly what your company needs. Then, define how you will help the organization to get there. Tie your future successes into how the business will grow and benefit. The more concretely you connect your work to the success of the company, the stronger your case will be.
- Pitch your raise as not only recognition for your past achievements, but also as an acknowledgment that you are a dedicated team player, committed to growing with the company. Assure your boss that you understand their pressures and goals – and sell your raise as a way to help. Understand what it is that they value the most, and how you can meet their needs and make their lives better.
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Take a positive stance.
Strive for a tone of mutual respect. This is not the time to whine, complain, issue ultimatums, or compare your performance or pay level to that of your peers.
- Be direct and confident. Use positive, assertive body language.
- Never start the conversation with a grievance or a threat. You’ll just put your boss on the defensive. Don’t compare yourself to others or complain that you earn less. Instead, stay positive and focus on how much you And, avoid threatening to resign as a negotiating tactic. You will, at best, turn the conversation adversarial. And worst case, you’ll paint yourself into an inescapable corner.
As you prepare to take your career to the next level – whether that means making improvements in your current role or moving on to your next great opportunity – consider partnering with a specialized recruiter from PrideStaff Modesto. Contact us today so we can show you how we can help you realize your professional vision.
