How to ask your boss for a raise

How to ask for an increase in salary from the employer?

If you plan to keep your current workplace under the guidance of your boss, but earn more than now, then there is only one solution to the problem – ask for a raise.

The American business newspaper The Wall Street Journal reports that, according to PayScale, 70% of people asking for higher wages in 2018 have beaten their salary increase. At the same time, 40% received the required amount, and 31% – a little less than we would like. The main reason for the refusal was budgetary restrictions, however, many respondents tend not to believe in the words of their superiors. In total, more than 160 thousand people were interviewed..
The key point in this matter is the careful preparation and outline of your speech before meeting with the employer. It is necessary to convince the authorities that your contribution to the development of the company is much higher than the current salary. You need to make your work as valuable as possible in the eyes of the boss.

An additional part of this “puzzle” is the study of market rates of your specialty in the region. Take into account all these factors, clearly follow the steps below, and start asking for a salary increase..

Step one: study of the labor market and company salary policy

Determine the amount you can claim.

• Get familiar with pay practices in your organization. For example, if an employer has a tradition of raising salaries once a year after successfully closing projects or submitting important reports in the winter, you are unlikely to receive an increase at another time. If a company unexpectedly raises salaries, you are more likely to succeed. Try to listen carefully to what the boss says about salary growth opportunities..

• Examine market salaries for your position in a city or region. Today there is nothing easier than to obtain such information. Use large print or online publications that offer job opportunities throughout the country and beyond. The main thing is to find out if you are currently receiving an amount already exceeding the maximum market rate.

• Re-read company policies, employment contracts or statutory documents. In official papers you can find instructions on the calculation of cash allowances. If such rules exist, it is best to know their details before asking for a pay raise..

• Chat with people in similar positions at other companies. Firstly, it will again help to find out the average market rate, and secondly, it will simplify the understanding of your competitiveness. To search, use social networks, professional forums, communities or specialized channels in messengers. In addition, you can simply search for colleagues in the shop through friends.

Step two: preparing a self-presentation for the meeting

After the salary study is carried out, you need to think about exactly how to submit a request for an increase in salary. If you find out that your current salary is competitive, focus on why you deserve a raise. Designate the subject of the meeting in advance, so as not to take him by surprise and cause irritation.

The meeting itself should also be coordinated: do not set up an ambush, otherwise you will run into a bad mood or time pressure, which in the end will push the leader to refuse. If the request is rejected immediately or during a call, ask directly what to do for the maximum possible increase in salaries and future bonuses.

On the eve of the conversation with the authorities, work out the following questions:

1. A list of goals that you have achieved. Identify how achievements have helped the organization and talk about it. Especially detail the successes that go beyond responsibilities, that is, show your initiative. Talk about what is not documented: reducing document costs, increasing productivity, increasing skills, accelerating customer service.

2. The list of additional duties that you usually assume or are ready to take in case of salary growth. An essential reason for the increase in salary will be the expansion of the area of ​​responsibility. Therefore, in a conversation with the boss, mention special projects where you can take part. Get ready to manage teamwork.

3. The exact desired salary amount. Set a minimum premium that suits you, but start by mentioning the maximum expected increase (yes, you may have to bargain). When determining a specific increase, consider all past rewards, current bonuses and obligations, so that the increase is reasonable and deserved.

Step Three: Developing a Behavioral Strategy and Response

Successful negotiations are based on a discussion of professional merit and achievements, and not on stories about the vital need for money. Remember that the employer, of course, takes care of you, but the provision of additional financial amounts upon request is not included in his area of ​​responsibility..

• Be straightforward when contacting your superiors. Say that you are asking for an increase, taking into account your personal contribution to the success of the company and additional responsibilities. Keep the necessary documents at hand and logical argument in your head.

• Speak to the boss what specific salary you would like to see. Be prepared to present your study of the labor market, including the relevance of a profession in a particular industry and the dynamics of changes in wages.

• If your boss says he cannot raise you at the moment, ask what needs to be done to get this opportunity in the future. Remember that there is a difference between an employee who does the work as expected of him, an excellent employee and one who really demonstrates high productivity and activity. Usually salary increase last.

• When you have a partnership invitation from another company, use this argument carefully so as not to ruin the conversation. The fact is that some managers adhere to the policy of not interrupting offers from other employers. In addition, if the boss finds out that you are looking for a new place, he will stop thinking about your career development and training..

• Remember that the threat of quitting is counterproductive and unprofessional to the highest degree. In the end, management may accept the offer of resignation. Instead of such provocations, calmly and openly start looking for a new position if you decide that the only option for growth is to change your employer.

Fourth step: acknowledge your fear and warn it

Even if you have prepared correctly, talking about salary growth is a territory of concern. It’s scary to ask for a raise, especially if you haven’t rehearsed the conversation. Remember that there is only one good chance. Do not miss the opportunity, and pay attention and time to planning such a meeting. Keep in mind that when you are denied, the boss is unlikely to want to raise this topic again soon.

Be prepared to discuss the issue from different angles, so get less worry. Remember all your experience in successful negotiations and build confidence with real-life examples. The question of raising salaries begins with convincing yourself that you are worthy of this and are able to declare your own competence. If you are a productive specialist, why not make an appointment with your boss right now and remind him of this?

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