How To Ask For A Raise

After many long hours, a proven track record, and dedication given to a company, it’s natural to want to ask your boss for a raise. But negotiating a bump in your salary isn’t always an easy task. Convincing your boss to reward you with an increase in pay is sometimes a long, drawn-out negotiation that leaves many employees feeling bitter, rejected and unsatisfied. Before even considering asking for a raise, take an honest look at yourself as an employee. Do you deserve the increase in salary? Are you long overdue for a raise? Do you really deserve it? If you answered yes to these questions, let’s buck up and get prepared to ask for it properly.

Before we begin though, let’s reiterate part of that last statement, “prepare”. That is the key to all of it really, this process takes thoughtful preparation. If you prepare properly you’ll be much more confident and thereby, much more likely to succeed.

Show It In Writing
Before approaching your boss with your request, take at least a few weeks to gather any documents that show what you have contributed to the company. You will need to convey your worth to the company in the form of sales figures, a complete breakdown of the number of deals you have landed, or emails from happy clients. Showing your boss these accolades and achievements in writing will help them to see the bigger picture more clearly, and if you’re boss isn’t the head honcho who can sign-off on a raise, your documentation can be easily passed along and review by the one who holds all the power.

Bring The Facts
You know those monthly meetings you begrudgingly attend? Start paying attention the details. Many companies are completely transparent, and they will share the business’s profit and loss on a monthly or quarterly basis. If you are aware of your company’s financial strengths, as well as the current state of the market, you will know whether it’s the right time to ask for a raise. Find a way to tie your company’s ongoing success with your current position and your duties. If you are able to correlate the business’s long-term, financial goals with your current role and duties, you are one step closer to proving how deserving you are of a raise.

Timing Is Everything
No matter your field, timing is everything. If your company just experienced massive layoffs, it’s clearly not the right time to negotiate an increase. But, if the company seems to be stable, and if you can discreetly find out if any of your colleagues have received a bump in their pay, it may be the right time for you to move forward with negotiations. Make an appointment with your boss to have a brief meeting to discuss your request. It’s best to make the appointment when your boss is least busy (and in the best mood.) Right after lunch is typically a good time. Your boss will be relaxed, well-fed, and ready and more than willing to listen to what’s on your mind.

Confidence Is Key
Being confident is one of the key traits needed to get what you want. Remember, you are the one in control. Come prepared to get down to business, but make sure you also look the part. If you typically show up to work dressed casually, throw on a pair of your best trousers and a button-up shirt. It’s also important to be well-groomed. Your boss won’t only be listening to your request, they will be observing and taking mental notes on your overall demeanor. If you’re naturally confident and well-poised, then you have this in the bag! But, if you’re more on the shy side, or if you feel uncomfortable in this type of situation, practice your speech in front of a friend or family member to help ease your anxiety and tension.

Be Reasonable
Although you want to be confident when meeting with your boss, make sure you’re not approaching them in an aggressive or cocky manner. Strive to speak your wants in a tone that stresses mutual respect with an air of assurance. In terms of your actual ask, make sure you’re asking for a raise that is feasible within the confines of both your position but also that makes sense in the industry. You want to convey that you’re worth the extra money, but ultimately nobody is worth an amount of money that’s way above what’s appropriate. Don’t ask any questions about your performance, focus on stating your case, present your documentation, stay poised, and within no time, you’ll get the increase in salary that you deserve.