How To Get A Raise

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Wherever you are in your career, getting a raise is important. The extra money is nice, but a raise also represents your status and value in the working environment.  It is critical to your career and professional development to know how valuable you are to a company and a raise is a strong indicator of your employer’s interest in keeping you around. Even if the raise consists of more vacation time or benefits, you need to know how to prepare yourself to successfully negotiate with your superiors.

Know Your Company

Large corporations and companies have established protocols for employee remuneration. This often involves performance reviews, but can sometimes be based on company success rather than individual achievement. If your company has an established policy, it is essential to research what the ‘higher-ups’ are looking for and execute with flying colors. Producing results that are quantifiable is the key to scoring a raise in the competitive corporate world.

These large companies have many employees to consider so try highlighting only your relevant accomplishments. Try to excel exactly where they are looking for results. Within a large company, there are established management structures that are, hopefully, staffed with competent professionals. Identify who will be responsible for your raise and target your efforts to around that person. Another good idea is adopting strategies that have been used by fellow employees who have gotten raises.

Pick the Right Time to Ask

Asking for a raise needs to be thoughtfully timed. The wrong time to ask is right after you’ve been hired; you should have negotiated your salary at the time of your hiring. Don’t try to change contract details, benefit packages or reimbursement after you have signed on. You need to make sure there is a possibility for advancement when you negotiate your contract, not after the fact.

Most employers assume that every other year, at the least, their employees will request a raise. However, depending on the nature of your job, raises can be much more frequent. The very best time to approach your boss is right after an accolade or professional recognition. If your company has an established protocol, be prepared when you have your review. If there is no established protocol at your workplace, gauge the momentum of the company and approach your boss at the right time.

Keep the Discussion Professional

Maintaining a professional disposition is important at all times - especially when you are negotiating a raise. Even if you have a great working relationship with your superiors and share personal information, you must leave emotion at the door when discussing a raise. It doesn’t matter if your boss is male or female, father or friend; keep the tone of your discussions formal and honest. Bringing up family issues, the economy, or your car loan are not reasons for your boss to pay you more.

 

 

 

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