Jobs @ Career Consulting Limited

Return to career-consulting-limited.com
Managing
People
Managing Your Career
CV Examples
Coaching
Cover Letter Examples
Pre-Employment Tests


Tips for Requesting a Raise


You probably think you deserve a raise. But does your boss think so?

Here's how to go about convincing your boss that you're really worth more than you're being paid.

First, you must realize that doing a great job is NOT a good enough reason to justify a raise. Your employer EXPECTS you to do a great job. Your performance must be "over and above" what other employees in similar positions are doing. And you can't rely on your boss to recognize your true worth without help from you. If you don't ask for one, you may never get a raise.

So here's what you do. First, make a list of your specific accomplishments that EXCEED the job you were hired to do. Make your list as specific as possible. Provide a detailed record of how you've beaten goals, taken on additional responsibilities, and contributed to the organization's success in ways that were significant.

Second, do some research, perhaps at a site like Salary.com. Find out what others in similar positions at other companies are making. If it's more, you definitely want to have this information to back up your request. (If it's less, don't mention it and be satisfied with what you're earning!)

When you have your ammunition ready, wait for the right time to ask your boss if you can talk with him about your performance. Timing is critical! You want to talk to him when he's in a GOOD MOOD. If he's in a bad mood, distracted by work problems, or otherwise not very approachable, WAIT. It doesn't matter how eager you are to request your raise. If your boss is not in a good mood, you'll just be wasting your time.

Once you've determined the timing is right, tell your boss that you would appreciate his considering giving you a raise, based on your "above and beyond" performance. Say you've taken the liberty of writing out your accomplishments for his easy reference, and give him your list. Then mention (if appropriate) what employees in similar positions are earning at other companies, and give him the data to back it up.

Do not mention a specific salary figure that you'd like to earn. This is the beginning of a negotiation process, and your first step is to convince your boss that your request deserves consideration. Once you pass that hurdle, be prepared to suggest a RANGE, such as a 3-5% increase.

If you've presented a good case and you know from your research that you are worth more than you are being paid, chance are good that you'll obtain your raise. But it depends on many factors, least of which may be your boss's desire to keep you on his staff. He may agree that you deserve a raise and desperately want to give it to you, but this may not be a decision he has the authority to make. Plus the company's budget is another important factor. Depending on how well things are going, there simply may not be enough in the coffers to pay you what you're worth.

If for whatever reason you are unsuccessful in obtaining a raise, you'll need to decide what your next step should be. If you love your job, you may be willing to continue working there. If not, be prepared to start looking elsewhere if a higher salary is your top priority.

You may reprint/republish this article if you include my name and a link to this website.

Bonnie Lowe is author of the popular Job Interview Success System and free information-packed ezine, "Career-Life Times." Find those and other powerful career-building resources and tips at her website: http://www.best-interview-strategies.com.


MORE RESOURCES:
Careers at Prairie View A&M University - HR  Prairie View A&M University












Careers - Human Resources  Kennesaw State University









Careers  Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Careers  Micron



Find a Job  Samaritan Health Services

Industry sells workers on ag jobs  The Western Producer


Careers at Bucknell  Bucknell University



Career Paths  FEMA



Employment  USC Upstate


Veterans and transitioning military | VA Careers  VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs



Careers  Smith College Grécourt Gate



Careers at NATO  NATO HQ

Clemson Careers  Clemson University

Apply for a Job  The City of Vancouver, WA






Careers at USI  University of Southern Indiana

Join our team  FHI 360

Work for Us (U.S  National Park Service

Careers  Medline Newsroom

Careers  The Ocean Cleanup



Careers | US Forest Service  USDA Forest Service



Careers  Technip Energies






Careers  CPKC


Work Here  UnitedHealth Group

Careers with Impact  IFC Press Releases




Best Job Search Sites | Careers | U.S. News  U.S News & World Report Money

LEO - Michigan Works!  Michigan Courts






Career Services  Wake Tech Newsroom

Careers with the Group  Volkswagen Group


Find a Role  Bain & Company



Jobs  Energy.gov

Careers  City of Somerville

Employment Opportunities  Unity Health Toronto




ADM Job Openings  Unlocking Nature. Enriching Life. | ADM

Careers & Employment  Pinellas County

City Jobs  charlottenc.gov

Find your next job at UC  University of Cincinnati


Current Job Openings  Pinellas County



Need More Information?
Site Home | Site Map | Links | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
© Career Consulting Limited.com 2011

tumblr visit counter