When it comes to earning a raise at work, you may have to persuade your supervisor that you are worth the extra cash before you can expect to earn more. Asking for a raise is important, but you should also take steps to demonstrate that you are an asset and worth the investment. In this post, we explain the reasons you deserve a raise, offer advice on how to get a raise at work without asking and discuss what not to say while asking. Read also How to ask for a raise via email.
How to Get a Raise at Work
Asking for a pay raise at work is a delicate subject that should be approached with caution. Being prepared can assist you in overcoming your hesitancy.
Once you’ve assessed whether it’s appropriate to ask for a raise, here’s how to get one:
#1. Take the initiative
Look for strategies to anticipate the demands of both your employer and your staff. This will demonstrate to higher management that you are capable, self-motivated, and a valuable asset to the organization. Furthermore, your supervisor will appreciate any assistance that enhances office efficiency and makes their job easier.
#2. Keep a positive attitude
To create a happy and enjoyable work environment, you must establish positive relationships with the people you work with. Workers that exude optimism are frequently acknowledged by leadership as valuable team members who leave a lasting impression. When you show kindness to your coworkers, you effectively create allies who can speak up for you if you are considered for a promotion or raise.
#3. Continue to learn
Take advantage of opportunities to broaden your skill set and expertise. You may prove your worth and exhibit your commitment to personal and professional development by always learning new things. If the opportunity is connected to your sector or career, your firm may even offer to pay for the expenditures associated with it.
#4. Establish career goals.
Another fantastic step toward obtaining a higher salary is to examine your work path and set goals. Once you’ve determined where you want your career to go, you can start taking deliberate efforts to get there. This is significant because, while hard work merits a raise, motivation, commitment, and clear objectives can help you achieve your immediate goal of receiving a raise.
#5. Set reasonable expectations
Spend some time investigating the earning potential of people in your field, with your job title, and in relevant roles. You can look for and compare specific income statistics using the Indeed salary index, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary index, or by speaking with friends and family who have worked in the same or a related industry. You can set realistic expectations once you are aware of the income range for people with your work title. You may effectively negotiate a practical wage raise with the help of this knowledge.
#6. Set up a meeting.
Enable your manager to adequately prepare for the talk by establishing a formal time to discuss your professional development. Pick a time that is convenient for both you and your manager, and make sure they are aware of your plans and expectations for the meeting ahead of time.
#7. Communicate clearly
Employers are frequently responsible for managing multiple responsibilities and a large group of employees, making it difficult for them to watch each employee as closely as they would want. In many circumstances, they may not know you are unhappy with your current income unless you express it openly. Inform your boss of the work you’ve been doing and how you feel about it.
#8. Be patient.
Even if you have requested a raise and put in the effort to demonstrate your value, it may take some time to acquire it. Remember to remain patient as your manager examines your request. After all, they may require clearance from other parties before making an official decision.
#9. Choose the best moment.
Even if you’ve been working hard and proving your worth every day, timing can prevent management from rewarding your efforts with a raise. For example, many employers consider raises after one or two years of service.
#10. Get endorsements
Ask your coworkers to recognize your skills and abilities as another excellent technique to demonstrate to your supervisor that you deserve a raise. Whether the others cooperate with you regularly or on a single project, having others approve of your work is a powerful indication of your importance. You can ask your manager to do this by calling, sending a note, or sending an email. In any case, their evaluation may impress your manager and provide crucial knowledge that indicates you deserve a raise without asking.
#11. Become an expert (on something)
This “something” should be connected to your field. If you work as a supervisor of accounts, there is no use in knowing everything there is to know about QuickBooks. Certainly, it might come in helpful again and then, but the idea is to become the go-to guy on a topic.
Whenever someone has a question regarding an account, they should approach you, and you should be able to answer them. It’s much more spectacular if you can contact them before they know there’s a problem. Not only will you enhance customer retention, but your clients will remember and refer you.
#12. Find a mentor
Not just any mentor will do. Do everything you can to ensure that the mentor you select is someone you want to model your career after.
In today’s market, having a mentor who is a little bit old-fashioned (or at least recognized in the business) could be a terrific approach to set oneself apart. After all, professions now endure roughly 4-5 years rather than 40-50.
You must be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which leaves no time for a personal life. A mentor can assist you in ironing out the kinks and paving the way for others to follow.
With the help of a mentor, you’ll stand out from the crowd at work and maybe be the next in line for a raise without even asking.
#13. Becoming irreplaceable
The point is, once you’ve established yourself as irreplaceable, you can pretty much ask for anything (within reason, of course). To become an indispensable employee, you must perform everything that is expected of you, plus a little bit extra.
You cannot be guaranteed a raise. Most of it has to do with factors over which you have no influence, such as the company’s current standing, when a promotion becomes available, or the overall economic health of the country.
Even if that cannot be assured, you may greatly improve your odds of receiving a raise—whether you ask for one or not.
What Not to Say When Asking for a Raise
Asking for a raise is stressful. The good news is that if you dare to ask for a raise, the odds are largely in your favor. According to Payscale, 70% of people who requested a raise received one, and 39% received the desired amount.
You should practice asking for a raise just like you would for a job interview. You can boost your chances of victory by stating your case effectively. But, when asking for a raise, some terms and phrases should be avoided.
#1. Don’t say: My salary doesn’t match my cost of living.”
During the pandemic, you moved into a new apartment, and your new budget has you straining your earnings a little. Regrettably, moving or making any other adjustments to your personal life does not influence whether or not you receive more money.
#2. Don’t say: “If you don’t give me a raise, I might have to leave.”
You may have developed a friendly relationship with your supervisor, but remember that your workplace is still a place of work, and you must constantly retain a professional demeanor. Any hint that you may have one foot out the door, even if said jokingly, may irritate your manager.
#3. Don’t say: “I have a better offer to go somewhere else.”
Let’s chat about additional work opportunities while we’re here. Don’t bring up other job offers as a negotiating ploy unless you’re truly prepared to go. “ There are many managers that are [focused on] budgeting, but someone higher up the chain is saying, “No,” and they can’t do anything about it. Such a chat may end with them wishing you luck in your new work, which you may not desire.
#4. Don’t say: “I’ve been working here for a long time.”
You recently celebrated your fifth anniversary and discovered that your coworker, who joined the firm only a year ago, is already making the same or more than you are. While you may feel cheated, it is best to apply the brakes before succumbing to sentiments of entitlement.
#5. Don’t say: “X is making more than me for the same job.”
Again, you must consider your employment as a business, and there may be complicated reasons why someone may get paid more than you for the same position. “ That has a lot of contexts. Such a person may have more relevant experience, a higher education, or language skills.
Reasons to Ask for a Raise
Employees that work hard, add value to the business, and show promise for future growth are frequently rewarded with raises by employers. Before you ask for a raise, you should be prepared to answer “Why do you deserve a raise?” from your employer’s perspective. The following are some reasons why you should ask for a raise:
#1. The nature of your position has changed.
It is possible to achieve or surpass your objectives. Yet, your regular attitude and behavior at work can play a significant impact. You get points for having a team spirit, being uniting and optimistic, being inspired, and motivating others.
#2. You have received a promotion.
When going up from an employee position to that of an executive, or from an executive to that of a manager, a change in position is accompanied by an increase in salary.
#3. You bring the team together.
A unifying employee is a rare gem: he or she sets the tone, stimulates colleagues, and embodies the communal spirit. Like a football captain, he takes over when the manager is absent, re-motivates the troops when needed, and galvanizes the team during initiatives. If you are this type of employee, you should use this personality feature when asking for a raise.
#4. You have another job offer
You can respond to offers and/or solicitations in a serious manner to find out what you are “still” worth on the market. Not only is the exercise beneficial for your professional ego, but it can also be good for your pay. Equipped with the proposal from another employer, go to your HR department or your manager to renegotiate your salary. Stay away from blackmail! But, if you are considering leaving, this “alternative stance” argument can lead to a counter-proposal.
#5. You want to be in line with the cost of living/inflation.
The remuneration of an employee is fixed at the time of recruitment, but it might change with inflation. The salary must be increased by the evolution of the minimum wage. Every year, either in July or in December, this is evaluated.
What Qualifies You for a Raise?
A raise may be a result of an employee’s loyalty demonstrated by her duration of service. Workers that create income or add to the company’s bottom line may also be eligible for a raise.
Can I ask for a 20 Percent Raise?
Depending on the justifications you cite for a pay raise and the amount of time since your last raise, you could request a 10% to 20% increase. Nonetheless, a fair salary raise runs from 4.5% to 5%, with anything above that regarded as extraordinary.
What is a Typical Pay Raise?
Workers that accomplish their goals and the expectations of the company are normally entitled to a 3% rise, which is the national average. Some firms may only offer a 2% raise to some employees, while others may offer a 5% raise or more.
What Should You not Say When Asking for a Raise?
- I deserve a raise because I’ve worked for ‘x’ for years
- “I have a feeling that…”
- “X earns more than I do.”
- “I’ve been waiting for a raise for a long time.”
- “If I don’t get a raise of x amount, I’m leaving.”
- “I’ll have to go to the competition.”
- “I’m in debt, so I need more money.”
How do I Approach My Boss for a Raise?
Advice on asking for a pay raise at work
- Mention your accomplishments over the last six months, years, and time with the organization.
- Understand what competitive compensation for your position entails.
- Tell your manager what’s in it for them.
- Be self-assured.
- Submit your request in writing.
How do You Politely Ask for a Salary Increase?
Explain in an email to your manager that you’d like to meet to discuss your remuneration. Explain your influence clearly and simply. Create compelling bullet points that illustrate how you’ve excelled in your role.
Conclusion
The best results when it comes to asking for a raise at work come from providing real instances of what you’ve done rather than why you believe you deserve it. This evidence may include particular numbers, cost savings, and other facts demonstrating your contribution to the firm.
The bottom line? You must demonstrate your effect on the business, and the best way to do so is with data rather than ultimatums or preconceived notions.
Related Articles
- HOW TO ASK FOR A RAISE: Whether It’s Your First Job After Graduation
- WHEN TO ASK FOR A RAISE
- HOW TO ASK YOUR BOSS FOR A RAISE: Effective Tips
- RAISE FUNDS FOR STARTUP: Best Creative Realistic to Implement Now
- HOW TO NEGOTIATE: Best Tactics to Use and Improve Fast
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