Asking For A Raise…Is It Time For You?

Asking for a raise sounds intimidating to me and the last time I did it I went about it all wrong.  If only I had done a little research of my own first! I recently reminded a friend that an annual raise is only 1-5% on average. You may actually be looking for a promotion if you find yourself looking for a raise more substantial than that. First of all, decide which one it is…how much you need and define why you are asking for one. If you determine that you are satisfied with your company, not looking to switch positions or take on more responsibility, than follow some of these tips to ask for your raise.

Six GREAT Tips – Asking For A Raise

1. Plan what you are going to say and take a realistic look at how your performance has been since your last raise. Less is more when communicating information, so keep it simple. State when your last maintenance raise was, concisely list 3-5 things you have contributed to since that time and ask that your loyalty and/or reliability be recognized in your pay rate.
2. Focus on why you deserve this raise professionally, and not why you “need it” personally.
3. Do not compare your work to your coworkers or other team members. Use yourself and your performance and time with the company as the bar.
4. Prepare yourself to answer questions, this isn’t a speech. Some of the questions may feel personal or be hard to answer. Have a strategy prior to your meeting.
5. It helps to know the “going rate” for someone in your industry and in your area, so do your research!
6. Lastly, recognize in advance that your boss or your company, may tell you no. Leave the meeting professionally so you can formulate your next steps without showing all your cards, using harsh words or burning any bridges.

Stay tuned for our next post on earning a promotion or asking for a promotion at your company!