Requesting a salary increase is one of those make-or-break moments in career development that has paralyzed most working individuals, particularly women.
The most frequent justification for the reasons why most folks don’t even bother asking is that they either do not know how to ask for an increase, do not want others to view them as greedy, or simply do not know how to ask for it.
Negotiating salary is, however, a part of career growth that comes naturally and inevitably. Being ready in the appropriate way and thoroughly familiarized with its dos and don’ts, you will feel strong enough to steer yourself within the negotiation process and negotiate your worthful salary.
Coming to the normalcy of asking for an increase
You will see that salary negotiation conversation is a part of professional life. Managers are not unaware of this type of conversation, and speaking openly in front of a good example demonstrates self-awareness and professionalism. As career counselors advise, “Managers think about pay all day, so the issue won’t sound even remotely as titanic to her as it sounds to you.”
Finding the right moment
Timing is also used in determining if and when your request will be granted. Consider the following:
- Performance and tenure: If indeed you did receive a raise last year or the year before, and each year that you have done well, then it would be fair to ask for a raise. “If you waited more than one year because your pay has only just been set, and you worked superbly all these years, then it is okay to resubmit so that you have your pay reconsidered.”
- Company’s budget and performance review cycles: Ask about your company’s budget and performance review cycles. It is a good idea to ask your boss several months before the budget and performance review cycles. “It will often make sense to ask for a raise a month or two before that formal process opens up.”
- Manager’s mood and time: Pick a time when your manager has some spare time. Informing him/her about it when he/she is busy with arrears or company-time matters will be useless. “You’re less likely to get the result you want if you raise it when your boss is especially frazzled.”
Preparing your case
The best case for a raise is data-driven and fact-based
- Document your accomplishments: Document your accomplishments, additional responsibilities, and instances when you exceeded expectations. Your “brag sheet” is a tangible affirmation of your worth. “Keep a ‘brag sheet’ of notable contributions to use during salary negotiations.”
- Research market rates: Determine the going rate for your job within your market. Look up industry compensation rates for your salary via sources like the Robert Half Salary Guide. “Invest the time to learn average starting salaries for your job and occupations in comparable occupations.”
- Follow company procedure. Ensure that you are aware of what your company’s pay procedure and policy are, so your request will be a suitable fit for the company’s procedure. “Some employers have certain policies regarding how large salary raises anyone can receive at one time.”
Getting your request heard
How you go about and present your request will also be very important to whether or not you receive a yes:
- Be short and professional: Be short and professional in making your request, and support it with facts. Being short saves your manager’s time. “Most raise requests are very short—often just a couple of sentences.”
- Use specific details: You have to be extremely precise in the details you use in describing your contribution and achievement towards the business. For example:
“I’ve performed better than there for a year now and exceeded the levels that we’d been doing.”
- Write it down: Having your supervisor in writing as an outline of your strongest arguments will put your supervisor in the position of having to negotiate with his or her supervisors for a raise. “Put your request in writing. Your boss probably has a boss, and they’re going to have to talk to them about your pay or raise.”
Dealing with responses
Expect mixed results
- If the answer is “Maybe,”: Ask for clarification of what will occur next and set a follow-up time frame. “If your boss won’t say absolutely yes and instead says she’ll consider it or get back to you, don’t be disappointed.”
- If the answer is “No,” Ask for an explanation of what would have to change to be worthy of a raise in the future.
This is telling them you are willing to work to better yourself and is effort-based with organizational expectations.” Remember to ask, ‘Can you tell me what you think it would take for me to get a raise someday?
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Other than money
There are also other rewards besides more money:
- More paid holiday time: Requesting more paid holiday time is a good one to request a work-life balance.
- Flexible work schedules: Teleworking or flexible work would be a great personal advantage.
- Professional development training: Sponsorship or certification would be a great career investment.
