How To Ask For A Pay Raise

Often times, the desire for a pay rise stems from the feeling that you’ve done more than expected. Perhaps you have sacrificed several Friday nights and weekends slogging over a client’s proposal and finally clinched the deal? Or maybe you have gone out of your way to obtain a successful partnership? All these efforts and achievements may be quickly forgotten by you, remember to always keep a list of your accomplishments within the year and have it ready during your salary negotiation session or your performance appraisal discussion.

The bottom line is: you want to be noticed for your contributions to the company’s success.

 

So the tip is for you to lay out the impact of your work and relate it to how it has met the company’s needs. Improving productivity, developing staff and costs saving – any work that is above and beyond your job role … they are all important contributions to a company. Knowing your value makes for a neat argument on why you deserve that pay raise

2.     Have clear figures in mind

This next tip is extremely important as you don’t want to go into the conversation without a clear end goal. Do some market research and talk to peers from the same industry to have a better idea of how much you should be paid for your position and skills. You can also have a chat with your favourite headhunter on what they think you could get in another firm.

Knowing the pay you deserve will allow you to better communicate and strike an agreement with your employer.

3.     Be clear and direct

Now that you have prepared a list of your achievements and come up with an ideal salary goal, it is time to plan the delivery. Our advice is to be straightforward. Now’s not the time to be humble!

Be confident when discussing your accomplishments and the additional responsibilities you have taken on.

Even when armed with a proper plan, your request might not always be successful. Other issues within the company could affect your employer’s decision regarding your pay. Take the rejection graciously. For example, ask what you could do to make yourself eligible when pay raises are available. This will show your enthusiasm for the job and allow more opportunities to come your way.

Remember, if you leave a well-planned salary discussion without your desired outcome, this failure may actually open doors for you now. Your Employers are now aware of a talented employee who has made a strong plan to showcase his/her achievements and is very keen to contribute to the company for a better compensation.

For those who are still extremely dissatisfied with your current pay, why not consider a career change? Or even an industry change?

Up and coming industries, such as technology and health, are seeking well-rounded individuals with skills and knowledge from different fields. If you have the skills they are looking for, these companies are likely to meet your salary demand.

At the end of the day, your happiness is paramount in your career and life. Remember, if you’re unhappy with your current salary, have the confidence to speak up and make your worth known!