Not earning what you think you should? Here's how to ask for more!
Timing is Everything. Wait until you’ve finished a stellar project or landed a huge account. The fact of your awesomeness will be indisputable. Plus, your boss will be in a good enough mood to maybe want to kiss you on the lips (in a strictly platonic way, of course). It’s called leverage. Use it.
Get organized. Before you approach your boss, compose a job description sheet. Make sure to include every single mundane detail you do, particularly the thankless jobs. (Copier maintenance may seem like no biggie, but no one else wants to do it.) A number of busy managers don’t see the forest through the trees—they know everything gets done, but fail to notice the moving parts. Show your moving parts, and your boss will recognize.
Get back-up. Have any e-mails from particularly satisfied customers? Did Jenny in Marketing thank you for your tremendously helpful IT support? Did one of the Big Boys give you a high five for your enthusiasm? Gather all these things and send them down the runway as necessary. People love you, and your boss should really know.
Research. Hop onto websites like Salary.com to see what comparable salaries are in your area. Be careful, the list can be deceiving: perhaps your job title is Office Manager, but your responsibilities transcend that. Keep that in mind when figuring what your salary should be. Factor in education, years of experience, and years at this particular job. Things like loyalty and performance sometimes outweigh a shoddy education, so play up your strengths. If you find yourself asking for more than the average salary for your job, go for it. You’re worth it.
Keep it businesslike. When you ask for the raise, stick to business. Don’t tell the boss you need it because you’re building an addition onto your house, or you’re thinking of starting a family. This does not make you any more deserving of extra money than anyone else. Keep your reasons simple and related to your job. Show where you’ve gone above and beyond, list your responsibilities, and demonstrate a willingness to go the extra mile to earn the raise.
They can’t do it without you. Be sure to illustrate the reason why your company needs you so badly. Make yourself invaluable in your efforts and responsibilities before asking for any pay raise. Don’t threaten to leave—no ultimatums. Simply showing them your value will be enough for them to realize why they must keep you, and the raise will seem a natural next step.
Good luck!
