How to Ask for a Raise, and Get It!

When was the last time you asked for a raise?  If you are
like most people, you waited until you were frustrated,
angry, and resentful.  Not the best frame of mind for
trying to make a positive change.  You probably made some
critical mistakes.  You may have:

Made your appeal based on emotion

Given your boss an ultimatum

Failed to plan ahead what to say figuring you could just
“wing it”

And how did that strategy work for you?  Did you get
everything you hoped for?  Probably not.

There is a better way to ask for a raise that doesn’t
involve emotions, ultimatums, or even slamming doors.  The
answer is planning.  Be prepared with objective
documentation that proves beyond doubt that you deserve a
raise, and have a strategy that puts that information
forward in the best possible light.

1.  Research salary surveys.

If you suspect your current earnings are below average for
your industry in your state, verify your suspicion by
checking out salary surveys.  Your state employment service
agencies probably provide a salary survey for your
industry.  Average earnings can vary greatly from state to
state, so be sure to get information that is appropriate
for your area or region.  Make copies of any salary surveys
you find.

Additionally, if you suspect your earnings are low within
your own company, ask your human resources representative
if he/she can provide the normal salary scale for your
position.  Ask for a copy if possible.

These two documented sources will help support the fairness
of your request for a raise.  By providing a rational
argument and proof of competitive salary in your request
for a raise, you’ll increase the likelihood that your boss
will say yes.

2.  Prove your worth.

Fairness alone won’t convince your boss you deserve a
raise.  You’ll need documented proof that illustrates your
contributions to your organization.  If you are waiting for
your boss or supervisor to notice what a great job you are
doing, forget it.  No one is paying that much attention to
you.  It’s up to you to prove how much you are
worth-literally.

The best time to begin documenting your accomplishments is
in your first week of employment.  Keep a weekly journal of
what you’ve done that proves such things as:

Creating revenue opportunities

Discovering costs savings

Helping a coworker meet or beat a deadline

Developing a better process

Completing tasks ahead of time

Generating good will with clients or customers

Use your list of accomplishments to update your resume,
featuring a “Highlight of Accomplishments” section that
illustrates the positive impact you’ve had on your company.
An updated resume is your most convincing evidence that
you deserve a raise.  It will also put your boss on the
alert that you are ready with an updated resume when a
recruiter calls or when the right career opportunity
presents itself.

If you don’t have a record of your accomplishments and
contributions, you are not ready to ask for a raise.  A
career coach can be a valuable asset in helping you compile
your list of accomplishments.  Trained in the art of asking
the right questions, a career coach can help you quickly
identify the contributions you’ve made to the company.
This will build not only your case for a raise, but your
confidence as well.

3.  Plan your strategy.

Too often, people don’t think about what they’re going to
say until they’re actually in their boss’ office.  That’s
too late.  You have to plan your strategy in advance, just
as you would plan any business project.  It’s the only way
to succeed.

With copies of salary surveys and salary scales, you’ll
have quantifiable evidence that your request for a raise is
a reasonable one.  And you’ll be able to back that up with
a strong list of accomplishments that demonstrates how
valuable you are to the company.  Practicing how you want
to present your case can be the final key to success in
getting the raise you want and deserve.

Choose a friend or family member who has been in the
position of hiring others, and ask them to let you practice
your request for a raise.  If you’re not comfortable with
doing that, or if you don’t know someone who is a hiring
manager, a career coach can help you craft your
presentation.

A career coach has real-world experience in hiring and
decision-making, so they’ve been in your boss’ shoes.  They
can provide you with strategic tips that will help you win
over your boss-or provide you with a way to keep the
negotiations open even if your initial request is denied.
Creating a strategy with a career coach will give you
guidance on how to ask for the raise, how to present
yourself, and how to close the deal.

Once you have your documentation, your accomplishments, and
your strategy in hand, you’ll be ready to approach your
boss with confidence.  And you’ll be well on your way to
getting the raise you have truly earned.

—————————————————-
Deborah Walker, CCMC is a nationally respected career coach
with extensive experience as a former executive recruiter.
Her career advice is featured on more than 3,000 websites
and published in professional association newsletters
nationwide, including the American Marketing Association,
APICS, National Black MBA, WITI and National Society of
Hispanic MBA.
Find more helpful career tips from Deb at
http://www.AlphaAdvantage.com