How to Ask for AND get a Raise

Although it has never been tougher to get a raise. It is possible. You just need to ask for the raise in the right way with the right reasons.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. First remember that you salary is based on your employer's perception of your worth, not your actual worth. So you want to do everything you can to make the supervisor believe that you deserve a raise such as taking on extra projects.

2. Now remember that you need to prepare sufficiently to demonstrate that your contribution to the company's goals and profits has increased, your duties and responsibilities have increased, or your income has not kept pace with your professional development.

3. Next you want to schedule a meeting with the supervisor to ask for a raise either at the beginning of the day when the supervisor most likely has the most time or right after lunch when the supervisor is most likely in the best possible mood.

4. Now have answers ready for the common "no"'s. If you ask for a pay increase because your earning less than comparable people in your industry make sure you have the numbers. If the supervisor says no to the raise because the numbers are from positions or companies that are not comparable make sure to emphasize that you do not want what yo do not deserve. Then ask for some comparable companies and positions and promise to look into them and get back to the supervisor with the numbers. then nail down a meeting time to get back with him.

5. The next common no is that you have not been with the company long enough. Make sure to talk about your contributions and how your have learned and contributed more than most with your time in service, therefore time in service is not an appropriate measure. If you supervisor brings up the idea of seniority and being fair ask for non-monetary compensation such as freedom to telecommute or additional vacation time.

6. The last and likely most common answer is that money is not available now. Ask for a commitment for a pay raise in a couple months, additional vacation time, a parking space, or other non-monetary compensation

Tips & Warnings

• Always schedule follow up meetings if additional information is required. This will lock in a time to talk so you salary increase discussion will not get put on the back burner.