When it comes to pay rises, the sad truth is that if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Debbie O’Halloran explains how to get that pay rise in ten easy steps.
How can you delicately ask for a pay rise? It’s difficult – believe you me, I’d rather ask my boss what she earns rather than for a few measly thousands. But the sad truth is that if you don’t ask, you don’t get!
But if you want to buy a house or build up your Jimmy Choo collection, you’re going to have to bite the bullet and take a long walk to your manager’s door.
Here are ten tips to help you get out those five difficult words: ‘I deserve a pay rise’:
1. What are you worth
Find out how much you are worth. Ask around. Get an idea from jobs advertised, from your colleagues and your contemporaries in other companies. Are you underpaid for your role? This will help you decide and by how much!
2. Be confident
Be confident, don’t stress out. All managers know that it is cheaper to keep the employee who asked for a small increase than to recruit and train a new person. Only be worried if you’ve been slacking off lately – your ‘pay rise or I resign’ speech could backfire and give your boss an easy exit.
3. Prepare months in advance
Increase your value in the months leading up to your demand by working harder and better. Network across departments, socialise with your boss, and volunteer to help on extra things – even if it means giving up a few weekends or evenings.
4. Keep learning and pushing yourself
You’ll never feel bad about asking for a pay increase if you’re taking time out to study and get extra qualifications.
5. Be assertive
When asking for more cash, don’t be aggressive. Be assertive instead. Don’t threaten or moan. I always say you should prove you deserve more because of your merits, not because of other people’s failings.
6. Set limits
Set some limits. How long has your boss got to think about it, what are your other options, how much do you want? Always ask for a certain amount – not just a general rise, and ask for a response within two weeks.
7. Second guess your boss
What objections is he or she going to raise? Anticipate the problems and come straight back at them with a legitimate answer. Be careful about being too pushy though. Some things to do with finances and budget will be out of your direct superior’s hands and you must respect that.
8. Ask for a rise on the basis of your performance
Argue for that pay rise on the basis of your performance. Don’t say your boyfriend earns more than you and it’s making you feel inadequate. And don’t say your mortgage is too huge or your credit card bill needs paying off. Irrelevant! All that matters is what you do at work and what you should be making for your labour.
9. Prepare documentation
Always make notes about the things you have achieved and added to the company, list all your accomplishments and all the times you’ve worked outside and beyond your current job description. Bring all the documents to the meeting for back-up.
10. Negotiate for more benefits
If you’re not getting anywhere with a straightforward pay rise, negotiate for better hours, benefits and perks.
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