With pay increases averaging in the 2-3% range nationally, keeping up with expenses is a losing battle for many people, particularly when other household wage earners are hit with layoffs. Even though you may feel reluctant to push for a raise, you have nothing to lose by asking for one, if you approach it professionally and with eloquence. Follow these tips in requesting a pay increase:
- Start by ensuring you are on very good behavior. Don’t be out sick or arrive late and make every effort to show your boss that you are willing to take on new tasks and support new initiatives. Stay late to finish projects as needed and show up on a Saturday on occasion to finish your work.
- Take the time to plan out exactly why you should get a pay increase. Be very specific about the things that you have accomplished, the projects you have volunteered for, the number of overtime hours you work, the special extras you added to your performance. Write it all down in a memo to her, but use it as a follow up only. You will discuss the content of the memo with her when you meet to ask for a raise.
- If you have a specific tangible product or service that you developed or increased significantly (sales, productivity, on-time delivery, quality, etc.). Be sure to include this as a separate reason for an increase. Quantitative measures will help her sell the raise to her higher-ups.
- Choose a good time of day and plan your location in a quiet office area. Let her know in advance that you have something important to talk to her about. Put calls on hold for the duration of the meeting.
- Be calm, logical and rational when you present your case. Before beginning your request, ask that he hear you out completely before responding to you with an answer.
- Start off by describing to her the five or six good reasons for asking for an increase in pay. These should be compelling reasons that have nothing to do with your personal financial situation. For example, do not say that you cannot afford to live on your current salary because of your expenses. Do say that you are a very valuable member of his team and that you brought in a 14% increase in sales – for example - but be truthful in any claims.
- Allow her to absorb the information and to respond. Listen to her and thank her for taking the time to discuss the matter with you. Be aware that you will not likely get a decision immediately, as she may not be authorized to give you a raise and will have to go up the chain of command with your request.
- If you are unsuccessful in your efforts, and your boss says that her boss said no, tell her you would like to speak to the manager personally, to present your case. Allow her to participate in the meeting as well. Follow through, and if you are still refused, be cordial and polite.
Even if you do not get the raise, if you handle yourself well and act maturely, you will score respect points with your managers. Realize that sometimes company policies may stand in the way of granting off-cycle pay increases. In this scenario however, sometimes by taking the initiative to ask for a raise, you will achieve a larger on-cycle pay increase, which is want you want, but just delayed, in the larger scheme of things.
If you are really dissatisfied with your situation, look for another job elsewhere. Find a better opportunity where you do feel appreciated for your efforts. Keep in mind that you will not get a raise if you don't ask for one. As long as you don’t beg or act unprofessionally, and you will be a winner, whether you get the raise or not.
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