Experts say that now is the time to ask for a raise. Employers are looking at their budgets and deciding how much they can spend. Although we’re well on our way to recession (we’re not technically there–at least not yet), it still may be time to pitch your worth to your employer. However, before you go in to ask the big question, a little preparation can go a long way.
Prepare a List of Your Accomplishments
Sometimes employers need a little reminding of how valuable you are to the company. Before you go in to convince your boss that you deserve a raise, you need to plan on remind him of what a valuable asset you are to the company. If ever there were a time to brag–this is it. Better yet, if you’re in a position to show, on paper, how much money you’ve made the company, they may well see how little a raise may actually cost them. By the way, you should be keeping a record of your accomplishments from day one.
How Do You Compare?
Remember when you were little and your mom would say ‘No’ to something, and you’d reply with: “Well, Jimmy’s mom let’s him do it!” That might not have worked on your mom, but rest assured it has more effect in the workplace. Do your research and know exactly how much others who are doing similar jobs are getting paid. Don’t be afraid to point that out in a meeting either–particularly if you are making considerably less than others with your experience.
Benefits and Perks
Sometimes, a raise doesn’t have to come in the form of numbers. Consider negotiating benefits and perks as well. An additional week of paid vacation or a company car, is not a bad deal. You may be surprised at how willing an employer might be to give you these things.
Above all, remember to be professional. State your case logically and reasonably. This is something that needs to be done in a meeting, not as you’re passing by in the hallway or stuck on the elevator together. Don’t compare yourself to your co-workers in a way that disparages their work. Simply speak in general terms about what you’ve done. Also, it’s important not to come off as cocky or greedy. You may well be worth every penny you’re asking for but coming off like you know it all sends the signal that it’s not worth working with you.
What do you do if your boss says no? We’ll talk about that next time!
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Valorie Delp shares recipes and kitchen tips in the food blog, solves breastfeeding problems, shares parenting tips, and current research in the baby blog, and insight, resources and ideas as a regular guest blogger in the homeschooling blog. To read more articles by Valorie Delp, click here.