Asking for a pay raise is a delicate conversation and something you should not do without careful planning. Once you’ve determined whether it’s the right time to ask for a raise, here’s what you can do to get it:
Know your value. Do the proper research to figure out what you’re worth, even if it means going on interviews or using resources. If you find out you’re underpaid, you can use that to negotiate an increase.
Know the number. Once you do the research, figure out what you think is a fair amount of money to ask for. Have that number in your head when you ask for a raise.
Schedule a meeting. Find a time that works best for you and your boss
Practice salary negotiations. This can be a difficult or awkward conversation. Practice with a friend who can be a tough negotiator.
State your case, and then pause.Give it your best case for why you should get a raise, never use idle threats or mislead an employer to think you have an outside offer. Make your case based on your research and the results of your work. Depending on the response, gauge how much detail you now need and how much back up support you require.
Be specific. Give your boss a range for the raise you want, and explain why. Example: “Be prepared to say, ‘After a lot of research, which I have here if you’d like to see it at some point, and how I feel I have contributed to the company, I would ask for you to consider an increase of $5,000 to $7,000. It has been ___ (time) since my salary was last reviewed. I greatly appreciate your consideration.”
Bring your personal kudos file. Bring a list of your key achievements, and focus specifically on the areas of accomplishment that are important to your manager.
Bring up your strengths and talents, your accomplishments, your desire to do even more, and your ideas and plans for the future in your role at the organization.
Don’t be aggressive. Be diplomatic, well-prepared and assertive, but not aggressive.
Don’t threaten your employer. Whatever you do, don’t threaten to leave if you don’t get the raise
Ask for endorsements. “One of the most powerful ways to demonstrate to your manager that you deserve a raise, or at least some form of recognition for your results, is to have other people endorse the work you have done and how it helped them.
This may be done through a phone call to your manager or an e-mail. The more your manager hears about how your work has contributed to organization goals and results, the stronger you will be positioned to be seen as someone deserving of consideration for an exception in the time of no raises or at least some form of recognition.
Don’t share your sob story. Don’t bring up personal issues, Don’t tell your boss that you can’t afford your rent, or that you need a raise to cover other personal expenses. Stick to your accomplishments and the value you add to the company.
Be patient. Remember, your manager may need a few days to think it over and get back to you, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t get an instant “yes”.
There’s also a chance your boss isn’t the one to make the decision. He or she might have to go to the higher-ups with your request.