How to Get a Raise at Work

You've been working hard and you're thinking it's time for a raise. But how do you go about asking for it? The following steps will put you on solid ground when you're face to face with your boss for this all-important conversation.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper
• Computer with Word Processing Software
• Records / Files on your job-related accomplishments
• A Great Attitude

1. Brainstorm the reasons that you deserve a raise. Write down everything you think of, focusing on how you meet and exceed your employer's expectations. For example, are you working beyond the scope of the original job description? Have you taken on additional responsibilities? Are you often covering for other employees?

2. List quantifiable accomplishments, especially if you have exceeded expectations. Anything that made money, saved time, or increased productivity is worth noting. For example, have you increased sales? If so, by how much? Have you improved customer satisfaction ratings? Have you streamlined processes resulting in greater office productivity?

3. Streamline your list and format the most important elements in an easy-to-read, bulleted document. Keep it brief and factual, focusing on the results of your contributions.

4. Ask your supervisor for an appointment.

5. Open the meeting with something like: "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I want to discuss my current compensation package in light of the contributions I've made during the past xx months." Use your list of accomplishments to outline your results.

6. Listen. This is critical. Your boss may have legitimate reasons not to grant you a raise right now. Be professional. Take what he says and see if you can use it to negotiate another perk for yourself. Maybe additional time off or a one-time bonus instead of a salary raise.

7. If the conversation hits a dead end, ask what you need to do to get a raise. Your boss may suggest some other responsibilities or challenges that, in his mind, would warrant a raise.

8. When your boss agrees to give you a raise, ask her to put it in writing so that you are both clear as to what was agreed upon.

9. Keep great records of how your efforts impact your company's bottom-line so that you can ask for a pay raise again.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't threaten to quit if you don't get the raise. You may, in fact, decide to leave, but that's a different conversation for a different time.
• Don't tell your boss about your money problems. Being broke is not the same as deserving a raise.