Asking for a Raise Occupational Outlook Handbook
The Recession of the past few years has made money tight for many companies. Reports of layoffs and rumors of layoffs have many workers afraid to ask for a raise though they may have a good rationale for why they deserve a salary increase. What tips can help a person negotiate a raise?
1. Do your homework
Before asking for a raise do some homework. What is the financial condition of the company? What is comparable pay for similar work and in similar companies? The U.S. Department of Labor offers theOccupational Outlook Handbook. The Handbook offers industry-wide information including pay scales for most occupations. Review the information and determine what is fair and reasonable to request.
2. Rehearse your rationale
The request for a raise involves selling yourself and your abilities in a way that increases your value in the eyes of the employer. Tout success and achievement. Remind the human resource personnel or managers about credentials and new credentials achieved over the previous few months. Include the findings of past job reviews if the reviews were outstanding.
3. Observe Timing
To observe timing means the employee needs to consider the status of his or her relationship with the employer at the time of the request. A request for a raise naturally runs the risk of increasing tension between the employer and the employee. Pre-existing tension can make matters worse and increase the likelihood of failure. The request for a raise should be made at a time when the relationship with the employer is positive such as on the heels of some company-recognized achievement.
4. Avoid Threats
Do not use the threat of leaving unless you are willing to follow through with the threat and leave the employer. Otherwise, an employer might call your bluff and embarrass you or require your resignation.
5. Do not ask too early
Allow sufficient time on the job before asking for a raise. A week or month on the job is not enough time to justify asking for a raise. A good policy would be to wait until after the first annual job evaluation. A positive job evaluation provides another piece of the rationale for the raise.
6. Be proactive
A reality for the 21st century worker is the necessity to assume control of our careers and to enhance our value to employers. One way to do this is to pursue additional training and improve credentials without being asked by the employer. The pursuit of training and advancing credentials is a value-adding investment in your career.
Keep management informed of achievements such as advanced training. Keeping your name and success before the eyes of management is good marketing.
7. Be flexible
The desire for more money may be impossible for the employer at the time of the request. The negotiation could shift to other “benefits” such as more sick or vacation days. You might request a new compensation structure such as the opportunity to receive bonuses in the future that are tied to performance. Such bonuses would not cost the firm because they would be generated from additional profits.
Conclusion
Asking for a raise is never easy. Be strategic in making the request and the outcome will likely be more positive. Be proactive.
