How to Request a Raise or Promotion

Asking for a raise is not about your personal circumstances. The employer isn't responsible for your home renovation or new baby expenses. To prove you deserve a raise or promotion, you will need to have demonstrated your commitment to the company, have worked at the same salary or in the same position for a reasonable period of time -- at least a year -- and be able to present factual information based on your continued exceptional performance and achievements.

Instructions

1. Review your job description and salary. Identify the primary tasks you perform on a daily basis and compare your duties with the job description for your current position as well as comparable positions at other organizations and higher positions within your current organization. Determine if you are performing tasks appropriate to the job or if you are working at a higher level -- and if so, identify the position that most closely matches your day-to-day duties.

2. Research the local market to determine the average salary for your position -- or the duties you customarily perform, if you are not classified appropriately. Identify the average salaries for your industry overall, the average wage for the position in the local area and the average wage for the position in similarly-situated organizations.

3. Schedule a meeting with your boss. Allow enough time so that you won't feel rushed and try to pick a time when your boss won't be stressed. Forewarn your boss about the issue you would like to discuss so she won't be surprised in the meeting.

4. Draft a list of your most significant accomplishments to help you focus the conversation when you meet with your boss. Prepare a packet of supporting documentation -- such as letters of commendation or a spreadsheet of projects you have worked on -- to bring to the meeting.

5. Present your case calmly and concisely. Avoid sounding entitled or overly demanding and try not to make your boss feel attacked. Don't push for a decision -- allow your boss some time to think about your proposal. Be flexible and offer alternative suggestions -- such as an enhanced benefit package -- if the company cannot give a financial increase.

6. Follow up the meeting with a memo or email. Cover anything you forgot to mention and recap your most significant accomplishments. Written documentation is particularly useful if your boss is not the ultimate decision-maker about your raise, because it can be forwarded to whoever has overall authority.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared and have a strategy. Practice how you will present your case -- just as you would practice if you were interviewing for a new position.

• Don't be pushy. Raises can sometimes take a while to authorize, so give your boss a reasonable period of time -- at least a week -- before you follow up.

References

• Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine; Career Tips - How Do I Prove I'm Worthy of a Raise or Promotion?; Jason Rich; 2000
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Employment Retention and Advancement (ERA)
• St. Mary's University: How to Make the Most of Salary Negotiations and Job Offers