Job Do and Do Not of Asking For A Raise

Feeling overworked and underpaid? If you’re starting to feel like you
deserve a raise, here are eight DO’s and DON’Ts to build your
confidence and tact (and what to avoid!) in asking for the salary you
feel you deserve.

DO

1. Devise a "Plan of Action". First and foremost, get a strategy
together. Make a note of the specific projects you’ve undertaken and
the results you’ve accomplished. List all of your job skills and the
features that make you an asset to this company. Find out what a
typical raise is for someone with your experience in your area of
occupation. Know the facts and be realistic in your request.

2. Ask for an amount that’s slightly higher than one you would
be happy with. If you would be happy with a 5% raise, ask for one a
couple of points above it. That way, if your boss starts to negotiate,
you won’t feel as if your worth has been diluted any by getting less
than what you feel you deserve.

3. Remember, your boss shouldn’t be the only one negotiating.
If your company is going through a slow period or the economy is down,
try to be flexible and know how to respond if your boss suggests a
lower amount than what you may have been expecting. Consider other ways
of getting a raise too, such as additional vacation time, employee
perks or more time off. All of these can be just as good (if not
better!) than an actual amount of money.

4. Choose a specific day and time to meet with your supervisor
about your raise request. Avoid choosing a Monday or Friday when bosses
are at their busiest. Studies have actually shown that people are more
receptive on a Tuesday or Wednesday after lunch. That way, they’re not
thinking about the weekend or their stomachs while you’re getting up
the nerve to ask about a raise! If you’re afraid of being interrupted
during your request, ask to speak to your supervisor for a few minutes
after hours.

DON’T

1. Raise your tone of voice if your boss objects to your raise
at first. Remember, he or she is paying you to do a certain job, and
you’re asking for more money to do the same job. Be professional and
polite at all times, and listen more than demand. Chances are, if your
supervisor doesn’t award you a raise, they might hint at what else
could be done to earn it. If they don’t, don’t be afraid to ask what
steps would be necessary to "prove yourself".

2. Threaten with quitting if you don’t get the raise or telling
your boss you have another job offer unless you actually do. He may
just call your bluff and let you go!

3. Stumble or 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. If you have "Thank You" notes from customers or letters
from the company praising you for a job well done, bring those to your
meeting as well, as they’ll help to cement your request and remind your
supervisor of your role within the company and its progress.

4. Compare yourself to, or talk negatively about your coworkers
or others in a position higher than you. You may think that this will
put you in a positive light when it comes to a promotion or a raise,
but to your boss, it shows that if you have a poor attitude toward your
colleagues, you’ll keep the same poor attitude if you are promoted.

Remember, be confident, professional and tactful. If the boss
says "no" or wants to "think about it", open his mind to further
consideration by volunteering to do more at the office. Stay an extra
hour or help another team on a critical project. This demonstrates that
you’re willing to "tow the mark" rather than giving your boss the
impression of "gimme the money first and THEN I’ll work". Good luck!