Ways to Increase your Salary
Getting a salary increase does not happen overnight. Employers look at a number of factors, including the time that you have worked for the company, to determine if you are indeed an employee who deserves a raise. This policy might vary as some companies give annual salary increases to all their employees depending on the performance of the company. There are some qualities, though, that can contribute towards a possible salary increase.
BEING CONCIENTIOUS
If you are a hardworking and diligent individual it only takes a few months of your employment for these qualities to become noticeable. The way you handle tasks, your reliability and dependability to complete them in time will mean that it is not in your nature to let the company down. These makes you indispensible to any company and as conscientious employees are difficult to find, rather than losing you, your salary will be increased to ensure that you continue to stay with the company.
TRAINING
Getting further qualifications and training in your career is always a good way to earn more money. The more you know, the better qualified you are and the more your worth. This is why graduates start a job at a better salary scale than non graduates though in some companies practical experience is rated on par with a degree. Sometimes just adding to an existing skill can help you to get more money as you can now multi task in the company.
BEING PRODUCTIVE
Looking for ways to increase your product knowledge and improve your sales techniques will help you stay one step ahead of everyone else and also increase your earning potential. Researching and implementing new products and marketing concepts also make you noticeable and if these lead to an increase in the company's revenue then be sure that it will soon reflect in your wage packet too.
SHOWING INITIATIVE
Initiative and interest in your job shows in the way you handle it on a day to day basis. Asking questions and having a regular contact with your manager will ensure that changes can be made and also implemented. At all times, the welfare of the company should reflect in your attitude and behaviour so that a positive working atmosphere is created. Group interaction and working together with other members of your team will highlight your communication and social skills and this is another area where being proactive reaps you benefits and rewards.
WORKING OVERTIME
If this option is available to you as an employee then work the extra hours to bring in the extra income. There are some companies who pay time and a half if you work at the weekends or during bank holidays or public holidays. Taking over shifts from colleagues who need cover could be another option as can helping in the office when there is shortage of staff.
TAKING EXTRA WORK
You can suggest to your manager that you want to help out in an area that might require extra work or you could help him out if he seems to need it. This can be an opening for you to become his assistant and provide cover when he is not around. It could also mean an increase in your salary as a reward.
BEING TIME EFFICIENT
Being accurate is also a good quality to cultivate. This means you are reliable in your work and this in turn gives security to the company that what you do is precise and they can depend on you to give the right information when it is required. Being competitive with others who are doing a similar job to you can be achieved by constantly looking for ways to improve your work so that you can give better results. By doing this you are time efficient and more productive. And this definitely relates to a better salary.
ASK FOR A RAISE
Despite the above, if you are still not getting the salary that you want then it is time you arranged a meeting with your manager and asked for a raise. Maybe in his busy schedule he has left this last on his list. It is time to remind him of exactly what you are doing for him and what you require him to do for you in return. This can be a good way to give a wake up call to a manager who seems to have taken a good employee for granted and rather than losing you he will soon come up with an amount that you can both mutually agree on.
For some employees an increase in perks equates to an increase in salary. If you have a company car, your petrol is being paid for and you are getting bonuses then you are definitely doing something right. For employees working for large companies it is much easier to negotiate pay rises or perks than it is for employees who work for smaller companies.
Do not forget that when you have been hired to do a job there is a simple equation that reveals to you if you are doing what you should. Are you inputting as much as you should to increase your output? If you are putting in a 100% effort in your job this will definitely place you on a higher rung for a salary increase than someone who does a job just because they have to without any particular drive or interest. It is what you bring to the company that decides your worth and how indispensible you are to them. In return they decide to return the favour to you by increasing your salary.
