So you’re considering asking for a higher salary?
Salaries can often be one of the trickiest things to discuss with an employer for a variety of reasons. People are often afraid to appear greedy or desperate when speaking about money or alternatively might worry about rocking the boat or not receiving an employment offer if they are in the midst of interviewing for a role.
The two most logical times that money will be discussed is during an interview/contract negotiation process or after you've working with your employer for a period of time.
But you can achieve what you want, having an frank and honest discussion with your employer if you think it through and have a plan to ensure that you are going about getting what you want in the right way and for the right reasons.
First, think about where you are in the role and your reasons for requesting a higher salary. If you are able to supply a solid rationale along with your request for an increase than your employer is much more likely to listen and the probability of getting a positive outcome is increased.
Think about these examples. Both candidates are successful performers with positive track records who have been employed by the same company for a number of years.
Candidate A approaches his Manager. He has heard that a competitor of the business pays a starting salary that is 15 percent higher than what he is currently on. He corners his manager at his desk and demands an increase to match or he will leave and seek another role with one of the competitors.
Candidate B has also heard that a competitor of the business pays a starting salary that is 15 percent higher. He spends time researching the average salary bands within his industry. It would seem that he is at the low end of the salary bands.
Candidate B retains the supporting information and then reviews his employment at his current company. He assembles key information on his performance to date focusing on the value he's been able to add to his current role including cost savings and his plans to achieve a similar result in the near future.
He requests a meeting with his Manager and rather than demanding, he uses his compelling reasoning along with his evidence of the benefits that he brings to his current employment. He shows his Manager what savings he has been able to make in the past and how he can achieve better in the future. He respectfully asks for a salary increase but states that he is open to negotiating how and when this happens.
Which approach do you think is more likely to succeed?
If you are contemplating requesting an adjustment to your salary then below are some basic do's and don'ts that can help to increase the probability of a positive outcome.
Do's
Do consider the consequences. Just like any negotiation, there are some that won't be successful. Think about what steps you intend to take in the event you don't get what you are asking for.
Don't
To summarise: Take time out to make a plan and assemble evidence to support your request. Do your homework to ensure that what you are asking for and why, is both reasonable and correct. Have a plan in place to deal with any impacts and consequences and above all, remain professional.
By following these tips, you'll increase the probability of achieving what you set out to.
