Getting Gutsy: Asking For a Raise
On those particularly merciless Monday mornings when the past weekend’s debauchery makes primping pretty for work feel like climbing Mount Everest with a hangover, it sure feels like you should be worth more than your bank statement keeps insisting you are. So how do you know when the time is right for a ride up on the office pay scale, and how should you go about getting it?
If your performance reviews are raves, your smuggest superiors can’t hide their awe and the office suck-up has been piling even more apples onto the big boss’s desk because her shining star status has been threatened, the time may be ripe for a raise.
But don’t fret. No need to go in with your hat in your hands begging for more bacon. If the time is indeed right, simply prepare yourself for the plunge and get gutsy.
Is the time right for a raise?
Oftentimes, workplaces have an established timeline and protocol for pay increase requests. If your workplace has an employee policy manual, consult it before pressing forward. No matter how stellar your performance, sidestepping office code will overshadow any gleam of star behavior.
Established office timelines aside, one of the best times to ask for a raise is soon after a glowing performance review or upon completion of a successful coup. The clat of achievement is like foreplay to the higher-ups, so go ahead and play come-hither with that leverage.
It’s not all about your successes, though. Cost of living increases are common and so are raises for ongoing service to one particular employer or time dedicated within a specific field. Sleuth around to see what is standard for your specific situation and factor in those numbers accordingly.
Quick Tip: Be on your absolute best behavior for a week before taking the plunge. If you feel like the week’s work was miles above your usual capacity, take some time to reconsider if your performance is up to snuff and whether now is really the time to canvas for more cash.
Arm yourself with appropriate supporting data
Heading into your boss’s office with a positive performance review she wrote and an excited retelling of how well you completed a recent task you are being paid to do anyway is certainly not enough to wow her into handing over more dough. Do your research so you are prepared to provide her with a multitude of reasons why she should start paying you more.
Track the specifics of your contributions to the workplace. Reference evidence of customer satisfaction, money you have saved the company, revenue you have brought in, ridiculously tight deadlines you’ve whipped, extra hours you’ve put in and explicit cases of improvement you’ve implemented in the organization. Now is the time to boldly toot your own horn!
Research statistics of the overall marketplace and your company in particular. What are others in your position being paid? Considering the amount of time you’ve been with the company, is your pay appropriate? Would requesting a higher title and/or more responsibilities warrant a pay increase for your particular position? Ultimately, it is up to you to ensure that you are getting what you’re worth, so find out exactly what that amount is.
Compile all of the pertinent data and prepare presentation materials that will not only convey your message but impress her with your ability to communicate it effectively.
Quick Tip: Consider nonmonetary benefits in your request. An improved insurance plan, company car or cellular phone coverage might be something your company can offer more readily than cold, hard cash and, in the end, the financial boom to you may be equivalent.
It’s all about perceptions
A little bit of strategic planning in wardrobe, timing and presentation will make all the difference in your boss’s perceptions.
When dressing for the big day, be sure to put on your favorite workplace gear. A pinstriped power-suit that has always helped you master your moxie, a pair of scarlet red pumps peeking beneath a black pants suit for a subdued pluckiness or a lacy Agent Provocateur corset hidden beneath a classic sweater set, for instance. Dress for success and not only will your boss be wowed by your professional appearance, but the confidence you’ll exude in your topnotch duds will go a long way to sway her to pay.
Experts suggest that the best time to ask for a raise is usually closer to the end of the day. The day is winding down, your boss will have wrapped up her day’s work and she’ll be more relaxed as she is looking forward to heading home. But don’t plan on just sauntering into her office unannounced with your hands held out. Request an appointment ahead of time so she can plan her afternoon accordingly. She’ll appreciate your consideration and will be more apt to allot an appropriate amount of time for a thoughtful discussion.
Practice, practice, practice your spiel ahead of time and be ready to knock her out with your sensational skills of persuasion!
Quick Tip: Prepare a classy exit strategy in case things don’t seem to be going your way. For instance, request a timeline for when you should ask again or inquire what your performance should look like to get a more positive response.
All work and poor pay makes Jane a dull girl, so dive into wage negotiations with courage, confidence and an upbeat zest that will win you your just desserts. Get gutsy and go for it!
