Asking for a Raise

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Asking for a raise is difficult for most people. Usually the person seeking the pay increase does not adequately prepare for this important task. Many people seem to think their company owes them because they come to work each day or for other reasons. So they approach the manager with the attitude that the company is obligated to them. Others feel insecure about themselves, and when they finally get the nerve to approach their boss about a raise, they are nervous and apprehensive.

Asking for a raise is hard. We are putting our ego and confidence in someone else’s hands. That person can say nice things about us and we come away elated. But if their comments are negative we are inclined to take it personal and perhaps feel that we failed.

As with so many other things in life, attitude and preparation are critical when asking for a raise. If you follow these suggestions, asking will be easier, less stressful and more likely to have positive results.

Many companies give their employees a cost of living raise. Usually everyone receives this, though not always the same amount. It is not based on performance and it is natural for all employees to expect this if it is company policy. When asking for a raise you are typically asking for more than the cost of living increase. The company does not owe this to you, and usually increases are only granted when the individual can convince management that their job performance justifies a pay increase.

So, how does one do this? Sometimes we think our managers know about all the good things we do for the company. But that is not necessarily true. No one is going to be as interested in your career as you are. You need to keep records, journals, brag books or whatever to show that others recognize your value. You need to be comfortable talking about and promoting yourself. If you do not believe in yourself, it is difficult for others to believe in you.

Every time something positive happens to you at work save any written documentation you receive. Emails from other employees acknowledging your contributions, thank you cards from customers, weekly or monthly figures showing your rank within the company, etc. Keep proof of any job related courses or organizations you participate in. This shows interest in your field of work and dedication to self improvement. Managers should know about any rewards you have received but don’t just make that assumption. If you have developed new processes or implemented changes, put this in writing along with the benefits or cost savings to your department.

Don’t wait until the night before you ask for the raise to get this together. Collect information regularly and put it somewhere safe. Preferably a binder with each page inserted in plastic. This way you can refer back to it frequently, it will become a cherished keepsake, and any time you are feeling low it is sure to pick you up. Before meeting with the manager decide which materials you will submit. Make copies of these and attach to a typed memo which summarizes the areas of your job performance that you would like to discuss. Deliver to the manager a few days prior to your review but do not send by email.

As you think about your contributions to the company, think about your attitude. Having positive written proof should make you feel good about yourself. Put yourself in their shoes. If you were the manager why would you want to give yourself a raise? Often it comes down to money. Has your knowledge, skills, expertise, etc. resulted in cost savings or increased revenue? Are you a team player and do other employees look up to you? Are you growing in your position?

Sometimes employees ask how they can continue to improve their job performance year after year. You do this by learning all you can, taking on more responsibility as your skills increase, and by being committed to doing the best job you can each day. Too many people report to work just to collect a paycheck.

You have the right attitude and you have prepared for the interview. The last thing to consider is timing. Most employees know their managers good and bad times. Don’t ask for a meeting on the busiest day of the month or the week your manager was served divorce papers. Try to pick an appropriate time. If too much is going on that day the manger will not be focused on you. If something happens at the last minute it would be better to reschedule your meeting. The ideal time to ask for a raise is at the end of a positive employee evaluation. That’s one of the reasons to maintain your brag book. You could put something together very quickly if the opportunity were available.

There are many web sites today which provide salary amounts for jobs. Four popular ones are: www.jobstar.org, www.payscale.com, www.salary.com, www.careerjournal.com. There are also books which provide guidance on how to ask for a raise. Negotiating Your Salary by Jack Chapman gives access to his personal website and he is also available to coach clients on negotiating skills. Tory Johnson’s Take This Book to Work gives excellent advice for women, especially when asking for a raise.

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