It seems we often think we deserve a raise but many of us are too scared to ask for one. Why is this? If you believe you deserve a raise, spend some time examining these tips and make a time with your manager next week to ask for that raise
Conduct a self-audit
Make a huge list of all your achievements in your current role. Think about where you add value to your organisation and how you have grown the business. List out all the tangible and also the intangible items on your list i.e. boosted staff morale.
List your achievements
Make a list of the results you have achieved in the current role. Make sure they are accurate and measurable. Include statistics, sales figures, client testimonials and reports where possible.
Research remuneration for similar jobs to yours
Check out other industries (or the same industry) to determine what your market value is. Most jobs are similar to something else within the market, identify what this is for you and find out what the package includes. Get educated.
Create your ideal package
Make a list of what you would like to receive in salary, car allowance, employee benefits, superannuation and time off. Give this a dollar figure as a package (don’t focus only on the individual components of your package).
Consider the organisational situation
Be aware of how the organisation is performing overall before you approach your manager for this raise. If times are tough you are less likely to be considered for this. If the company is performing well your manager might be more open to this raise request.
Book a time with your manager
Make an appointment to discuss this and let them know the agenda will be your remuneration package. Try and schedule this appointment for early in the day so your manager is not distracted by competing priorities and you are not spending the day nervous while waiting for the appointment.
Practice your presentation in your mind
Know what you want to say and why you believe you deserve this raise.
List the manager’s potential objections
Make a list of all the possible objections your manager may have and consider how you would respond to them.
Be calm
Don’t be nervous and fidget in the appointment. Take a few deep breaths before the meeting and remind yourself of why you deserve this raise and the positive impact it will have on your life.
Be aware of your body language
Ensure your shoulders are straight, sit forward in your chair and make good eye contact and smile. Try to appear relaxed and comfortable.
Be positive
Don’t approach your manager timidly or they won’t believe you are worth the raise. Believe in yourself and your achievements.
Before you launch into a presentation about what you want and why you deserve a raise, ask your manager the following questions:
- How do you feel I have been performing over the past few months?
- Do you agree I have added value/sales/benefits to this organisation?
- Are you happy with my performance to date?
These questions allow you to understand what your manager’s opinion of your performance is and will assist you position your request in response to their questions.
Be assertive
Use positive assertive (not aggressive) language when you are informing your manger of why you deserve this increase. Talk about the benefits to the company and to you.
Don’t blink, don’t look away
When you tell your manager the total package figure you would like to receive; don’t blink and don’t look away. Hold their gaze and remain calm.
Allow your manager to respond to your request in the meeting
Don’t talk while they process what you have asked for. Allow yourself to sit in the silence if required. Don’t try and fill the space with talking.
Provide options for your manager
Provide alternatives of how they can give you this raise, discuss timeframes, possibly staggering the amounts, providing a bonus or once off payment or by changing the structure of your existing package.
Agree on a response timeframe
If your manger can’t give you an answer immediately, agree when they will come back to you with an answer for your request. One week would be appropriate in this circumstance.
If you don’t be bold and ask for a raise, you may not get offered one. Try these tips this week and approach your manager for a raise if you deserve one.
