You’ve been on the job for a little while and feel you’ve been doing stellar. And, let’s be honest, you accepted a lower salary than you had hoped for in order to land the position. Is it time to ask for a raise?
“Usually companies have scheduled times during the year when they give raises and promotions. Start talking to your boss about a raise approximately three to four months before that time. You can also ask for a raise when you've done something really spectacular that makes money or saves money for the company. Another great time to ask for a raise is when your job duties change substantially, and you have more responsibility,” explained Laura Browne, co-author of “Raise Rules for Women: How to Make More Money at Work.”
To be clear, “raise” is not the same as “promotion” – the two are often attached but can also be mutually exclusive. For example, my husband has gotten a raise every year, but not an official promotion – his job title has never changed.
Asking for a Raise
1. Inquire about the rules during the hiring process. “Ask about the company’s policies on progress reviews and raises when you discuss compensation during the hiring process. This will ensure that you and your employer are on the same page from the start,” said Kelly Quintanilla, marketing director at the CUSO Development Company.
2. Check-in with your boss regularly. “By giving your supervisor informal updates and seeking frequent feedback on performance, you are likely to be on track when you ask for a raise. Good two-way communication will help you be sure that you are meeting, perhaps exceeding, your job objectives,” said Maryanne L. Wegerbauer, author of “Next Day Salary Negotiation.”
3. Write it all down. “Keep a daily record of what you do, the projects you work on, the people you work with and any associated numbers – revenue generated, costs saved, clients won, etc. When you approach your boss for a raise you can show him or her what you have contributed to the company. This takes the raise from subjective to objective,” said Mandy Minor, a résumé writer and career counselor with J Allan Studios.
4. Evaluate yourself. “Perform a self-evaluation to determine whether you deserve what you are asking for. Are you constantly exceeding expectations? Has your level of responsibility increased? Have you impressed others with your quality of work? Have you gone above and beyond your job description to bring value to your organization?” said Steven Emery, vice president and general manager of Steinreich Communications.
5. Don’t just wing it. “Research what others are getting in your industry, at your level, to come up with a rationale number. Go to Salary.com, talk to people in your industry, seek out advice from career counselors. The more research you do, the better your presentation comes across. You don't want to come in too low, or too high,” said Erika Stanczak, a marketing communications consultant.
6. Be willing to compromise. “Be prepared with other ways you would accept being compensated other than money. Would you accept an extra vacation, a paid sabbatical, an educational program? Be ready to bring these up as options,” said Cheryl Cran, CSP, president of Synthesis at Work Inc.
7. Timing is everything. “Make an appointment to talk to your boss, choosing a day of the week and time of day that he or she tends to be at their most relaxed and focused. Don’t bring it up when they are distracted or stressed,” said Julie Morgenstern, a workplace expert and author of “Never Check Email in the Morning.”
8. “Own” your raise…don’t just audition for it. “Many people appear sheepish when they ask for a raise. Don’t. If you deserve the raise, don’t be apologetic about asking for it! Avoid qualifiers such as, ‘I know I’ve only been working here for a year, but…,’ and instead be confident. ‘I’ve been working here for a year and…’” said Charmaine McClarie, president of the McClarie Group.
9. Make your case. “Succinctly state your accomplishments to date, what you are currently working on, and why you think you deserve a raise. Keep personal reasons out of it, meaning don't say your rent went up or your car broke down. You deserve the raise because the work you are doing contributes to the bottom line of the company and it is quality work,” Jill L. Ferguson, co-author of “Raise Rules for Women: How to Make More Money at Work.”
Browne adds a few “don’ts” while asking for a raise:
- Don't hint that you will quit. This could easily backfire. Even if you're looking for a new job, don't mention it unless you are ready to walk out the door that day.
- Don't get emotional. Asking for a raise should be handled like any other business decision. If you take it personally and start to get emotional, your boss will not want to discuss it with you.
- Don't assume that you won't be able to get a raise in these difficult times. There is raise money available for people that add to the company's bottom line. And, even if you can't get a raise because of frozen raise budgets, you can begin the discussion now so you will be at the top of the list when the company does begin to give out raises.
10. Discuss the future. “Don't focus only on what you have done in the past, talk about what you would like to do moving forward. Employers want to know that you are constantly thinking about how you can grow with the organization,” said Theresa Maher, director of public and job seeker relations at Jobing.com.
11. Ask for input. “If your boss disagrees with your point of view, ask him or her to share that reasoning with you. Add more facts or clarify the questions so he or she may reconsider,” said Kerry Patterson, co-author of “Crucial Conversations.”
12. Move forward after rejection. “Be prepared to discuss what you need to do to get the raise you want. Set measurable goals and call your boss on it when those goals are achieved,” said Felicia Miller, assistant director of career services for The Art Institute of Las Vegas.
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