How to get a raise

August 17, 10:58 PMSeattle Jobs ExaminerTara Gowland

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How to get a raise

In this economy, many people feel that they are lucky to have a job, but you know you are working hard and that you deserve a raise. Here are some tips on how to prepare before asking for a raise.

Catch up on projects

Spend a few weeks catching up on projects that are not complete slow going. By catching up on any old or current assignments you will leave no chance for your manager to point them when you approach them for a raise.

Check out the job boards

This is the time to spend a week or so checking out similar jobs with similar size companies on job boards such as Monster - you will not only get a sense of how much responsibility oyu have compared to others in comparable roles, but get a good idea as to what sort of salary range you might be able to get. And be sure to ask for a reasonable raise - usually up to 5% unless there is a specific reason you think you deserve more.

Look at past employee reviews

Look through your employee file and note the results of the past few reviews and take note of areas that you have excelled in or improved upon. If you have areas that need improvement, make an extra effort to do something about them at least a month before asking for a raise.

Take note of your accomplishments

This is the time to look at what you have done and what you have done well. Write down your accomplishments in no more than 4 lines - it is best to use point forms whenever possible. If you have difficulty listing your accomplishments, ask your coworkers about times when they were impressed by how you handled something, or a time when you gelt particularly proud. Key point: be sure to list accomplishments as tangible things, not "I have excellent problem solving skills." Instead, write "When faced with 3 months of backlogged collections calls and brought 84% of them up to date by suggesting alternate avenues and calling clients at different times than they were called on in the past."

Make sure that you bring 2 copies of your accomplishments to your meeting - 1 for you and the other for your manager. It will help you keep on task and give them something tangible they can take with them when the meeting is over that they can review.

Assign a dollar value to your accomplishments

If there is any way you can assign a dollar value to accomplishments, so so. Perhaps by implementing a new process or by changing a supplier you saved money, indirectly or directly. If you cannot assign a dollar value, think of ways that it saved time or helped your manager in some way.

Time your approach

I have always found that asking for a raise when your manager is in a positive mood (Fridays or days following the completion of a difficult project are good days).

Practice

Practice asking for a raise. Use a friend to practice on and ask for feedback. Yes, you can write down what you need to say - just be sure to lose the notes and practice soeaking naturally when the time comes!

Be more proactive

A month or so before you ask for a raise, be more proactive in your work - look for extra tasks or come in early...whatever it takes to noticed by your manager. Don't overdo it, but try to do a few things that put you in an even better light than you are now. This will help set the stage for asking for a raise.

Ask a coworker

If you recently know of a coworker who got a raise, you may chat with them a little about what their approach was - they may have some tips that can help.

Stay upbeat and positive

Be positive even if you are not be in love with your job. You have to go over the top and tell your manager you live for your job, but do not be negative - this will certainly not help when looking for a raise. Tell your manager you are happy but that you believe that your latest accomplishments and the training you have undergone (especially when you have pursued training on your own) qualify you for a raise or failing tat, an increase in responsibility. If your manager asks you if your incentive for asking for a raise comes from a desire to move on either within or outside of the company, be sure to let them know that you have no intentions of leaving, however you would be much happier with a 5% increase.

No money in the budget?

If your manager tells you there is no money in the budget for a raise, ask them if they agree that based on your accomplishments and education you should get a raise. If they say yes, then be sure to ask them when they think the numbers may look more favorable - perhaps waiting 6 months would make it easier for your manager to budget a raise. Another way of responding to this is by asking them if they would agree if an increase was tied to a specific accomplishment or project completed.

Just ask!

Sometimes, like the rest of us, managers get busy. Perhaps your manager has been meaning to give you a raise but they need a little push to make it a priority! Plus, there is no harm in asking - the worst case is that they say no! And remember that even though a raise might not be in the cards, you might be able to negotiate more vacation, specific training or flex-time - be creative!

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