How to Ask the Boss for a Pay Raise

You deal with the daily work grind, pull your weight--and then some! Now, you want a pay raise. It seems like such an easy task to do, however, it can be almost agonizing to get up the nerve to go into the boss and ask for a pay raise. Once you do decide to muster up the courage, use the following approach to ask the boss for a pay raise.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Review the company's policies with reference to pay raises. There might be detailed regulations that govern how often an employee is entitled to pay reviews and how salary advancement works. This may be outlined in an employee handbook, employee Intranet or you may have to consult with someone from human resources. It is good to know the pay raise policies so that you can avoid possible confusion.

2. Analyze your worth. This can be done by researching the average range of salary for the position you hold and work you do for the company. Make sure you take into account skills, experience, seniority, education and location. You will want to go into the boss with a reasonable figure for a pay raise.

3. Create a bullet point list of any and all accomplishments you have made over the years with the company and for the company. This will show that you are an asset to the company and deserve to be paid more for what you bring to the company. This list can be given to the boss at the time you meet to ask for a pay raise.

4. Schedule a meeting with the boss. You do not want to catch them off guard or while they are swamped and busy with their own work. Schedule an appoint to discuss your pay raise. This will also show your boss that you are professional and courteous, and it never hurts to gain a few more brownie points before you are going to ask for more money.

5. Go into this meeting confident and positive. Again, this show of confidence will be appreciated and noted by the boss. It is possible that you will walk away without the pay raise, but at least you know you carried yourself well and your boss will keep that in mind for eventual evaluations and future pay raises.

6. Present your case for deserving a pay raise. Refer to tough projects you were instrumental on, problems you solved, how you might have gone above and beyond your hired duties and any incidents where you saved the company money. Express your willingness to learn more and grow with the company.

7. Be willing to compromise and negotiate the pay raise. This may include taking on more duties and responsibilities or a willingness to change titles and truly grow with the company.

8. Do not be discouraged by not receiving the pay raise you asked for. Maybe the timing was not right. You should, however, make sure the reasons given are clear and defined and that the possibility of a pay raise is something that will be continually open for review.