How can you ask for a raise without jeopardizing your job?
Asking for a raise can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you are not sure how your boss will react. You don't want to come across as greedy, entitled, or dissatisfied, but you also don't want to settle for less than you deserve. How can you ask for a raise without jeopardizing your job? Here are some tips to help you prepare, communicate, and negotiate your salary increase.
Before you approach your boss, do some research on the market value of your skills, experience, and role. You can use online tools, industry reports, or network with peers to get a realistic range of what you should be earning. This will help you set a reasonable and fair expectation for your raise, and also give you evidence to back up your request.
-
No one is accountable for your own success other than you. I’ve always believed that to gain progress in your career, whether that’s a salary increase, more responsibility, new job title - you have to demonstrate evidence of going above and beyond, consistently. Not only is it about skill, it’s about showing up with the right solution focussed attitude and championing positivity amongst your team. There’s one question you must firmly be able to answer yes to; Can you be trusted when your manager is not in the room - to act in the same way you are expected with them in the room?
-
Prepare and Research: Gather evidence of your contributions and research industry salary standards. Choose the Right Time: Timing matters; ask during performance reviews or after significant achievements. Highlight Achievements: Emphasize your accomplishments and the value you bring to the company. Be Positive and Professional: Frame the discussion positively and focus on your commitment to continued success. Practice Effective Communication: Clearly articulate your reasons for deserving a raise and be open to a constructive conversation. Emphasize Growth and Development: Connect the raise to your professional growth and the positive impact on your performance.
-
When seeking a raise at any and all times treat the process as a performance review, but in this case you are initiating the review, not your manager. Be ready to document your overall contributions to your company’s productivity, as well as specific instances when you either managed on your own or were part of a team which met or surpassed company goals. The raise you attempt to secure should not be arbitrary, but should correspond to the value you have brought to your employer.
-
Tente atrelar a uma avaliação de desempenho. Se não houver na empresa esse tipo de avaliação, tente chamar o seu líder direto e construir um PDI (Plano de Desenvolvimento Individual), direcionando a conversa para o seu desenvolvimento dentro da empresa e determinando o que você terá de reconhecimento alcançando o que for determinado.
Timing is crucial when asking for a raise. You want to avoid asking when your boss is busy, stressed, or distracted. You also want to avoid asking when the company is facing financial difficulties, layoffs, or major changes. Instead, look for opportunities when you have demonstrated your value, such as after completing a successful project, receiving positive feedback, or exceeding your goals. You can also align your request with the company's performance review cycle, if applicable.
-
While waiting for the right timing, it is important to actively develop a diverse range of skills and gain valuable experiences. By doing so, you will not only improve your abilities but also position yourself as a highly capable individual who consistently achieves desired results. In addition to the previous point, focusing on research, confidence, and follow-ups will greatly enhance your advantage during negotiations and set you apart from the competition.
Once you have decided when to ask for a raise, you need to prepare your case. This means highlighting your achievements, contributions, and impact on the company's objectives. You should also mention any additional responsibilities, skills, or challenges that you have taken on since your last salary adjustment. You want to show your boss how you have added value, solved problems, and improved results. You can use numbers, examples, and testimonials to support your case.
When you are ready to ask for a raise, schedule a meeting with your boss and let them know the agenda in advance. During the meeting, be confident and respectful in presenting your case. Explain why you think you deserve a raise, and how much you are asking for. Avoid comparing yourself to others, complaining, or making ultimatums. Instead, focus on your own performance, goals, and potential. Listen to your boss's feedback, questions, and concerns, and address them calmly and professionally.
If your boss agrees to your raise, congratulations! You should thank them for their recognition and support, and ask for a written confirmation of the new salary and effective date. If your boss rejects or postpones your raise, don't be discouraged. You should ask for the reasons behind their decision, and what you can do to improve your chances in the future. You should also ask for a specific timeline and criteria for revisiting the discussion. You should thank them for their time and feedback, and follow up with an email summarizing the conversation and your action plan.
-
Quantify your impact: Data speaks louder than anything so one should showcase the achievements in the form of numerical data/statistics to help in analysis of the performance to the seniors. Good behaviour,or communication which only brings quality of the resource to surface are not enough to be able to considered for hike or raise in the salary
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
IT StrategyYou want to ask for a raise. How can you approach your boss without seeming pushy?
-
HospitalityYou want to ask for a raise, but don't want to seem greedy. How can you approach your boss?
-
Job FairsHow do you negotiate a raise after a successful project?
-
Job Search StrategiesHow can you prove your worth when asking for a raise?