Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 4: Gathering Information
• Part 2 of 4: Preparing for a Conversation
• Part 3 of 4: Asking for a raise
• Part 4 of 4: Accepting Rejection
• Tips
• Warnings

If you think you are doing your job perfectly, do not be afraid to ask your boss for a pay raise. Many people are afraid to ask for a raise even if they know they deserve it, using excuses like "The economy is not doing well right now" or "I can't seem to find the right moment." If that sounds a lot like you, then it's time to stop adjusting to the situation and start planning the necessary actions to get that well-deserved promotion. If you want to know how to ask for a pay raise, then check out the steps below.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Gathering Information

1. 1 Make sure you have sufficient justification. Getting promoted is difficult in most industries unless you have a compelling case.This can be, for example, getting the best offer from another employer, or consistently and efficiently performing work that goes beyond the established responsibilities.
   • If you are a key employee, a good company can always find unspent reserves to meet your request. Keep in mind that it is a very common tactic to refuse requests for pay increases, arguing that the annual budget is already overspending in order to try to deter you from such requests. This means that you need to know your "value" in accordance with objective criteria (more on this below) and be persistent.
   • If you've already discussed the salary issue with your boss, it will be much more difficult to get more. Your boss is confident that you are completely satisfied with your paycheck and is not in the mood to be complacent about the increased financial burden on the company for no good reason.
   • Be careful about using another job offer as an argument. Your boss can catch you at your word, so it’s better to really have this offer and the willingness to change jobs if the boss refuses. Get ready to cross this line!
2. 2 Be realistic about your expectations. If the company has already exceeded the budget and is in a deplorable state as a result of recession, production cuts or other reasons, then it is safer to wait for better times. During a downturn, some companies will not be able to provide a pay rise without risking your job. Be that as it may, this does not mean that you should use this as an excuse to postpone the conversation indefinitely.
3. 3 Check out your company policy. Read the house rules. Explore the company's corporate website (if any) or, most reliably, talk to someone from the hotel staff. Below is a list of questions that need to be clarified:
   • Does the company require an annual certification to revise the salary?
   • Are salaries increasing according to the plan or the level of the position?
   • Who makes the decision or initiates its adoption?
4. 4 Assess your "value" objectively. It is very easy to believe that you are worth more, especially if you feel like you are giving 110% every day, but you need to show your value in relation to similar positions in the same area. Many employers say they don't raise wages until the employee starts doing 20% ​​more work than he did when hiring. The following are important details that you should take into account when assessing your value:
   • your job description;
   • your responsibilities, including managerial or leadership functions;
   • work experience and status in the hierarchy of the company;
   • the level of education;
   • your place of residence.
5. 5 Find information on the market for similar items. While this may be something you consider the first time you discuss your pay raise, your role and job responsibilities may change. Analyze similar jobs in your industry to see how much others are getting for similar jobs. Determine the typical pay gap for similar positions in your area. Getting information about similar positions will help you feel more confident when you go to talk to your boss. You can check the salary level on sites like Salary.com, GenderGapApp, or Getraised.com.
   • While all of the above can help you prepare for the conversation, it not should be used as the main argument for getting a promotion. This provides information to you about your cost, not your boss.
6. 6 Follow industry trends. Subscribe and regularly read at least one industry magazine and try to discuss the future with your peers.
   • You should also look ahead carefully and understand where your company and the industry as a whole are heading. Allocate time in your schedule at the end of each month to take stock of the possible way forward.
   • The habit of looking ahead will serve you well in your day-to-day work and wage negotiations. You will be one of those who move forward and add value to the company in changing market conditions.

Part 2 of 4: Preparing for a Conversation

1. 1 Prepare a list of your accomplishments. It is best to use accurate, measurable metrics: quality improvement, customer satisfaction, and especially profit growth. This list will remind you of your importance and provide an objective basis for your request.
   • While some people believe it is useful to write down all the achievements for presentation to the boss, others believe that their achievements are already visible, and just need to remind the boss of them verbally. The decision depends on how much you know about your boss's preferences, the development of the relationship between you, and how comfortable it is for you to voice your own accomplishments.
   • If you choose to convince your boss verbally, then learn the list.
   • If you decide to resort to writing to your boss for approval, then first let someone else read the list.
2. 2 Analyze your track record. Pay special attention to the projects you worked on, the problems you helped solve, how business processes and profits have changed since you started working. The question is about much more than just doing your job well (which, in fact, is expected of you), but about what goes beyond your assigned job. A few questions to ponder as you prepare to speak. For example:
   • Have you done or helped to complete any difficult projects? Did you get any positive results from this?
   • Have you worked overtime or on a limited time basis? Do you continue to demonstrate the same high level of performance?
   • Have you taken the initiative? In which cases?
   • Did you have to do more than was formally required? In which cases?
   • Have you saved the company time and money?
   • Have you improved any system or process?
   • Have you been involved in developing and educating others? According to Caroline Kepcher, “The rising tide will lift all boats,” and your boss will also want to hear that you are helping others.
3. 3 Explain your importance to the future of the company. This will show your boss that you are always thinking about the future of the company one step further.
   • Be sure to mention long-term goals and conditions that will certainly benefit the company in the future.
   • Satisfying a request from an existing employee is also less costly than interviewing and hiring a new employee. While you may not want to be direct about it, the focus on your happy future with the company will undoubtedly have an impact on your boss.
4. 4 Decide on the salary level for which you are applying. It is very important not to be overly greedy and to remain realistic.
   • If you are comfortable with your current position, justify the increase in revenue or profit, which in turn will be based on your past achievements and expectations for the near future. If you are going to bring the company a profitable project or contract within a few months, the proceeds from it will more than cover the increase in your salary. It is not necessary to state in plain text that according to the results of each of the next ten months of the year, a profit will be made; if you are convincing enough, the conclusion will be obvious. If your boss sees that as a result, it will be possible to raise the salary of the entire leadership, this is a really strong argument.
   • The usual negotiating tactic, where the parties start at a much higher stake, is not a good idea, because the boss may think that you are trying to pull money out of the company and grope the boundaries of what is allowed.
   • Break the increase down into smaller units, for example, explain that you are asking for the most $ 1,500 per week, but don't mention that you get $ 72,000 in a year.
   • You can also discuss other issues besides salary increases. You might be satisfied with other bonuses in lieu of a pay increase, such as giving shares in a company or sharing profits, compensating for clothing or rental costs, or even promoting your position. Ask for a corporate car or a replacement for a better one. If possible, discuss all bonuses, job titles, and changes to your job description, organizational function, or assignments.
   • Be prepared to bargain and compromise. Even if you haven't given your boss an impossible task, expect difficult negotiations if your boss agrees with your request.
5. 5 Don't be afraid to ask. While getting a pay raise is difficult, it’s even worse to accept the situation and never ask for a pay raise.
   • In particular, women are often afraid to ask for higher wages because they do not want to appear too arrogant and assertive. Find an opportunity in this to show that you care not only about developing your own career, but about the success of the company as well.
   • Negotiation skills are learned. If you are afraid of this, take some time to prepare and practice different techniques and situations before contacting your boss.
6. 6 Choose the right moment. The success of the request largely depends on the correct timing. What have you done in the foreseeable past that makes you more important to the company? It doesn't make sense to ask for a pay raise until you've demonstrated anything of value to the company, no matter how long you've worked.
   • The best time is when your value to the company is evident. The iron has to be forged while it’s hot, and you have to ask for a pay raise immediately after success, for example, hosting a successful conference, getting great reviews, signing a good contract, doing the job so well that even outside customers noticed it, and so on.
   • Don't pick a time right after a company has announced a loss.
   • Justifying the promotion with arguments like “the time has come” is dangerous because it makes you look more like a person who is formally involved with the job, rather than interested in the company's progress. Never tell your boss that you have worked for a year and therefore deserve a pay raise. Your boss will most likely answer, "So what?"

Part 3 of 4: Asking for a raise

1. 1 Make an appointment with your boss. Give it some time. If you just walk in and ask for a promotion, you will look unprepared and it will seem like you don't deserve a promotion. You don't need to make an appointment strongly in advance, but try to choose a time when you will be alone and no one will distract you. For example, when you come to work in the morning, tell your boss that you would like to talk to him before he leaves.
   • Remember that a request in person is much more difficult to turn down than a letter or paper letter.
   • Try to avoid Mondays, when everyone has a million things to do, or Fridays, when your boss has other thoughts on his mind.
2. 2 Show your best side. Be confident, but not overconfident, and be positive. Speak politely and clearly to better convey your message. Finally, keep in mind that the conversation itself is not as difficult as preparation for it! When talking to your boss, lean forward a little. This will be a sign of confidence.
   • At the beginning of the conversation, tell your boss how much you enjoy your job. Getting started like this helps build a more personal relationship with your boss.
   • Next, tell us about your achievements. This will show your boss why raising pay is important to you.
3. 3 Ask for a promotion in clear terms and then wait for the boss's reaction. Don't just say, "I want a promotion." Tell your boss how much of a raise you want to get as a percentage, such as 10% of your current salary. You can also say this in the form of increasing your annual income. Whatever you say, be as clear as possible so your boss can see that you really thought about it. The following are possible scenarios for the development of the situation:
   • If you get an immediate “no”, then skip to the next section.
   • If this is “I need time to think about the situation,” then try to negotiate a time to talk again.
   • If your boss agreed immediately, it's best to ask a follow-up question to get confirmation of his decision and then remind him of his promise (more on that below).
4. 4 Thank your boss for your time. This is important regardless of the answer you receive. You can even go further and give your boss more than he expects, like a thank you card or an invitation to dinner. Consider sending a thank you email even if you did say thank you in person.
5. 5 Make sure the boss fulfills his promise. If the answer was yes, the result could be an actual increase in wages. But rejection of promises, as well as elementary forgetfulness, are also possible. Don't jump to conclusions if the increase doesn't happen immediately. Sometimes events do not go as planned, for example, the boss did not find support from senior management or faced budgetary problems.
   • Make your boss feel uncomfortable about giving up on your word (for example, mention someone you know who asked for a pay raise with his boss's similar rejection of his words, and how the morale of the team deteriorated). This must be done discreetly and tactfully.
   • Ask when your boss plans to start raising pay. In an unobtrusive way, it might be asking if you need to sign any paperwork for the promotion.
   • Take it one step further and tell your boss, "I guess you can do this by the end of the month, after all the necessary paperwork has been prepared." This will set the plan into action so your boss doesn't have to do it.

Part 4 of 4: Accepting Rejection

1. 1 Don't take rejection personally. If you let rejection ruin your mood or affect your work, your boss will likely think he did the right thing. If you get a reputation for being tough or unable to take criticism, your boss is even less likely to raise your paycheck. Once you've gotten the boss's final decision, be as dignified as possible. Don't jump out of the room or slam doors.
2. 2 Ask your boss what you should do differently. This will show you are willing to take the boss's opinion into account. A possible option would be if you both agree to increase responsibilities for a certain period of time, which will gradually lead to a new role and a salary increase. It will also demonstrate your dedication to your job and your ability to work hard. Your boss will see you as an energetic employee, and you will be on his pencil during the next pay increase.
   • If you are a key employee, keep working at the same level and repeat the conversation after a few months.
3. 3 Continue the conversation by sending an email to say “thank you”. This will provide you with a dated documentary that you can use to remind your boss during the next negotiation. It will also show your boss that you are grateful for the conversation and that you know how to get things done.
4. 4 Be persistent. Your desire for a promotion is now clear, and your boss should be concerned that you might start looking for work elsewhere. Set a date when you will repeat the conversation. Until that time, try to raise your level of work as much as possible. Do not shirk your duties just because you are upset that you will not receive a pay raise.
5. 5 Consider looking for a new job if the situation does not change. You should never put up with getting less than you deserve. If you want more than the company is willing to pay, it may be better to try a higher position with a higher salary - either in your company or elsewhere. Think carefully about this option, there is no need to burn bridges, just because the conversation with the boss failed.
   • Better to wait a little longer to try and earn a promotion. But if months have passed and you still haven't received a fair assessment of your hard work, then don't feel guilty about considering other companies' offers.

Tips

• It's not a good idea to justify a pay rise with an argument like "I need money." It is much more effective to prove that you deserve a promotion based on your value to the company. Documenting all of your accomplishments can be very helpful in this situation. For example, you can list your accomplishments as part of a letter asking for a meeting for discussion, or as a presentation to show to your boss, a kind of cheat sheet when negotiating a wage increase. Be very clear, use examples.
• Discuss pay increases, don't ask for them. For example, you might tell your boss that you would like to know what you should do to increase your pay or hourly rate in the near future, rather than demanding a pay increase for previous merits.
• Before asking about a salary increase or compensation change, be sure that you have completed all projects, tasks and solved all the problems that have arisen in front of you. Asking for a raise when you're in the middle of a project is rarely successful. Remember, timing can play a key role!
• Gather reliable information in advance (for example, from salary surveys) and get ready to negotiate. Be polite but firm when negotiating and don't let your emotions get out of hand. (Remember, this is only business and nothing personal). If your employer is not willing to provide you with a satisfactory promotion, try discussing alternatives, such as a performance-based bonus, or extra overtime pay, perks, or bonuses. Before whatever you say, ask for a supporting document signed by an authorized person.
• If possible, try to improve your qualifications. You don't have to wait long or base your request solely on personal gain. Higher qualifications mean you can give more to the employer. Get trained, get certified or licensed, or try to take the initiative and learn new skills on your own. After that, use that as an argument that you are more expensive than before.
• Consider increasing the number of your responsibilities to raise wages. This will be more effective than simply asking for a pay raise. Especially if your current responsibilities require nothing more than formal completion and your employer thinks they are paying enough.
• Analyze your current job responsibilities and expectations. Be sure that you do everything completely, without being reminded, and your colleagues are not forced to correct your mistakes. From this point of view, you will analyze what areas of work can be improved by updating, another systematization or changing the process. Remember, managers view pay increases as a reward for excellence, not time spent meeting minimum standards.
• Follow the internal hierarchy when asking for a pay raise. For example, if your immediate supervisor is only a manager, don't jump over his head to the department director. Instead, talk to your line manager first and let him make the decision to contact your line manager.
• Check your employer's internal policies (or other documents) for information regarding wage increases. For example, if the policy clearly states what needs to be done to do this, then strictly follow the procedure. But if the policy clearly states that the employer does not make an unplanned increase in wages, then it is better to wait with the request for an increase until the next certification and ask for a larger than usual wage increase.
• Many companies subscribe to payroll reviews in this area. Ask your boss to check the review when determining your new compensation, especially if you think your pay is much more modest than similar positions. This will give you points for being good at analyzing data.

Warnings

• During the conversation, focus on your work and your value. Never use personal problems, including financial hardship and other needs, as a reason for the need for a raise. This is business and that which reveals personal weakness is not essential to knowing the boss. Talk based on the value of your work.
• Keep in mind that your boss has time and budget constraints.
• Think twice before threatening to get fired if you don't get a pay raise. This rarely works. Regardless of how valuable you are to the employer, do not make the mistake of thinking that you are irreplaceable. They will easily find a replacement for your place for less money. If you do leave the company after not receiving a promotion, be careful what you write or say on your letter of resignation so that it does not harm you in the future.
• The employer usually has more experience in bargaining. Therefore, the biggest mistake you can make is to come to negotiations unprepared.
• Stay positive. Not use this time to complain about the organization, colleagues, working conditions, etc. And do not mention your colleagues for comparison. It will feel like a fly in the ointment, even if you praise them. If you need to pay attention to something, present it in a relaxed manner and suggest ways to remedy the situation at a different time, rather than during the conversation about raising wages.