So, you’ve been working hard at your job for a while now and you think it’s time to ask for a pay rise. Congratulations! Asking for a raise can be a daunting task, but if you follow these dos and don’ts, you’ll be sure to increase your chances of success.
In this blog post, we will give you some tips on how to ask for a pay rise in the most effective way possible. Let’s get started!
1. Do your research
Before you go to your boss and ask for a pay rise, it’s important to do your research and come up with a realistic number. Don’t just ask for a random amount or what you think you’re worth – be realistic about the market value of your position and how much you’ve contributed to the company.
You can use sites like salary.com or payscale.com to research the average salary for your position and location. Once you have a number in mind, it’s time to start preparing for your meeting with your boss.
2. Plan ahead
Don’t ambush your boss with a request for a pay rise – plan ahead and give them some time to prepare. Schedule a meeting with them, tell them what you’d like to discuss, and be prepared to back up your claims with facts and figures.
Prepare any relevant data such as concrete gains you have made for your company: sales figures, new clients, and so on.
Equally, remember that your own presentation is an important factor in getting what you want. They say you should dress for the job you want; we say you should dress for the salary you want! So look sharp and convince your boss you are a key player.
3. Be assertive
It can be difficult to ask for something that you want, but it’s important to be assertive when asking for a pay rise. Show confidence in yourself and make sure that you express how grateful you are for the opportunity to work at the company.
At the same time, don’t be afraid to negotiate. If your boss offers you a lower salary than you were hoping for, try to counter with a higher number. It’s all about give and take – remember that you’re both trying to come to an agreement that works for both of you.
4. Stay positive
When discussing salary negotiations, it’s important to stay positive and avoid any negativity. Remember, this is not personal – it’s simply business. If your boss says no, don’t get discouraged, and certainly don’t get angry – there’s always next time!
Keep in mind that asking for a pay rise is not an entitlement, and that your boss may have other factors to consider such as the company budget. If you are turned down, try to ask for feedback so that you can improve your chances next time.
5. Thank them afterwards
Once negotiations are over, remember to thank your boss for their time and for considering your request. They will appreciate your professionalism and it will leave the door open for future opportunities.
We hope that these tips have helped you on how to ask for a pay rise. Remember, if you follow these dos and don’ts, you’ll be sure to increase your chances of success!