How to Ask for a Raise

Before you ask for a raise, consider whether you merit a raise and whether your company is in a position to give you one. If so, then choose your moment and your methods to ask for a raise very carefully.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Calculators
• Personal Organizers
• Spiral Notebooks
• Calculators

1. Evaluate your worth. Make a list of your accomplishments, skills and contributions.

2. Arm yourself with information. Know what a normal raise is for someone of your experience and occupation.

3. Assess your supervisor's mood and outlook. Is he or she ready to consider your request?

4. Choose an appropriate time of day. Make an appointment or ask if there are a few minutes to spare. Plan for an end-of-business-day meeting.

5. Consider asking for a specific amount that's a little higher than what you want. Say 8 percent when you would be happy with 6 percent.

6. Be realistic. If your company is going through tough times but you still feel deserving, decide how you'll respond if a lower amount is offered.

7. Be flexible. Would you consider a supplement in perks, time off, flextime or vacation time in lieu of a raise? Negotiate.

8. If your supervisor turns you down, have a plan ready and regroup.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can, print out an outline showing that you're paid less than others in your position according to industry statistics ' but are producing more and better results.
• Avoid losing your temper or your sense of humor.

Who Can Help:

• eFax is the world’s #1 Internet fax service.  Send and receive faxes by email and kiss your fax machine goodbye. 30-Day Free Trial

[paigeturner]

on 5/30/2009 It makes it easier if you're talking about your accomplishments with your manager throughout the year as well so when you ask for a raise you have substance to back it up. Thanks for sharing!

[willowman1]

on 5/24/2009 Looking for a job?, you may need to shop online to see what jobs are perfect for you. You Should look at http://www.Hound.com After reading this article I found a great job search solution is http://www.Hound.com, no matter who you are, you can find the best quality jobs on this site. I like using to look for jobs because it has jobs only from employer websites and far more jobs than you will find on other job boards. It is fun, easy and it really works and you can start right now. I was really impressed by this website and I know you'll love it too. Happy searching

[gordonhayes]

on 12/15/2008 I personally think that you should never ask more than 20%. And be sure you deserve that raise. Work hard, bring value to the company and you will be rewarded.

Gordon Hayes

[lindamvaitkus]

on 12/6/2007 It is a good idea to leverage your request for a raise with some simultaneous job search. Every time I had a job offer in hand when I requested a raise, I got it 100% That is a 15% raise. If I did not get a favorable response, I stepped up my search. This helps promote your self esteem.

[bmi57]

on 12/5/2007 The squeeky wheel gets the grease, talk with your boss. Sometimes they are so busy they can tend to forget who's doing what for them.