HR Tip of the Week: 7 Tips when you’re wanting a raise at work
- Know the number.
- Once you do the research, figure out what you think is a fair amount of money to ask for. Have that number in your head when you ask for a raise.
- Schedule a meeting.
- Find a time that works best for you and your boss. Give your boss a head’s up that you want to chat about your career growth so that you both have ample time.
- Practice salary negotiations.
- This can be a difficult or awkward conversation. Practice with a friend who can be a tough negotiator.
- Tell them you know that the company isn’t handing out raises.
- Make the case of why you should be an exception to this policy. This will need to focus on the results you have achieved for the company.
- State your case, and then pause.
- Listen to what your manager has to say. Give it your best case for why you should get a raise. Never use idle threats or mislead an employer to think you have an outside offer. Make your case based on your research and the results of your work. The worst they can say is no. Depending on the response, gauge how much detail you now need and how much back up support you require.
- Bring your personal kudos file.
- Bring a list of your key achievements, and focus specifically on the areas of accomplishment that are important to your manager. Bring up your strengths and talents, your accomplishments, your desire to do even more, and your ideas and plans for the future in your role at the organization.
- Be patient.
- Remember, your manager may need a few days to think it over and get back to you, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t get an instant “yes”. There’s also a chance your boss isn’t the one to make the decision. He or she might have to go to the higher-ups with your request.
