Saturday, January 15, 2005
Demand a Raise
How to Ask for a Raise
By Max Owens, Special to Gannett
Judy has been working as a sales assistant for a large service company for four years. Each year she receives a standard raise based on cost of living increase, but she knows that others have received additional increases besides the usual annual increase.
July believes that she should receive a "real" raise based on her work performance. Discussions with her friends at work have provided some suggestions on how to approach her boss, but she just does not feel comfortable approaching him directly.
So what should she do to get a "real" raise?
Human resource managers agree that there's no single best approach to this type of problem. Discussions with employees and managers, including Bruce Goodwin, President of Stealth Staffing in Brentwood, Tennessee, provide insight and a viable framework on obtaining a raise.
Different situations and different bosses dictate that an evaluation process must take place before approaching your boss.
The following things should be considered:
-The employer's personnel culture -- what is acceptable and what is not?
-Your relationship with your boss -- are you personal friends or do you rarely talk?
-Your boss's reaction to your request -- will he be defensive, open to discussion or will he avoid the subject?
-The normal compensation for your job -- are you underpaid, and if not how can you justify an increase? Can you be easily replaced?
-What others are making at your company or agency -- how do they compare to your compensation?
-The company's current status -- has your employer given others raises recently or are they in a cutback mode?
-Your skills -- have you made any significant contributions to your employer? How recent are your accomplishments? Did your boss and others recognize them?
Once you have completed the evaluation, devise an approach that you feel comfortable with pursuing. Take note of information that will help your case and use it in discussions.
Timing is important. If the time is right, set up an appointment, or if appropriate, go on in and meet with your boss informally.
If things don't go well, or if you are not comfortable asking for a raise at this time, develop a long-term strategy. Asking for a raise should not be a one-time affair. It should be a concerted effort on your part to show your employer what you are capable of doing all the time.
Here are some things to do to develop and carry out a long-term strategy:
-Ask your boss what areas you need to improve. Use your annual evaluation if it is the most appropriate time.
-Ask what actions you should take to make improvements.
-Show your boss in day-to-day situations you are working to improve your weaknesses.
-Continue with informal follow-up conversations on your work when appropriate.
-Show you are a team player.
-Show through your actions and words you are loyal to the employer and your boss.
-Do the little things bosses look for from outstanding employees.
- Be to work and meetings on time.
- Don't take unnecessary sick days.
- Respond quickly and in a positive manner to employee and other departments' requests.
- Leave personal problems at home.
- Don't complain around the office.
There are things not to do in front of your boss when requesting a raise.
- Don't be overly aggressive.
- Don't give ultimatums.
- Never threaten to quit.
- Don't argue.
You may not always agree with your boss's performance evaluation, but always discuss it in a positive manner. Show him through actions and words you are working on making improvements. He may not be aware of what you are doing, so it is up to you to bring it to his attention.
Remember the key to success in the workplace is performance and a positive can-do attitude and image. Make sure your boss is always cognizant of your accomplishments and hard work. This is the best way to get a raise and maybe even a promotion.
Max Owens is a career consulant, writer and speaker with over 25 years of experience in employment. He has worked as an economist and executive in international trade and transportation within government and private business.
By Max Owens, Special to Gannett
Judy has been working as a sales assistant for a large service company for four years. Each year she receives a standard raise based on cost of living increase, but she knows that others have received additional increases besides the usual annual increase.
July believes that she should receive a "real" raise based on her work performance. Discussions with her friends at work have provided some suggestions on how to approach her boss, but she just does not feel comfortable approaching him directly.
So what should she do to get a "real" raise?
Human resource managers agree that there's no single best approach to this type of problem. Discussions with employees and managers, including Bruce Goodwin, President of Stealth Staffing in Brentwood, Tennessee, provide insight and a viable framework on obtaining a raise.
Different situations and different bosses dictate that an evaluation process must take place before approaching your boss.
The following things should be considered:
-The employer's personnel culture -- what is acceptable and what is not?
-Your relationship with your boss -- are you personal friends or do you rarely talk?
-Your boss's reaction to your request -- will he be defensive, open to discussion or will he avoid the subject?
-The normal compensation for your job -- are you underpaid, and if not how can you justify an increase? Can you be easily replaced?
-What others are making at your company or agency -- how do they compare to your compensation?
-The company's current status -- has your employer given others raises recently or are they in a cutback mode?
-Your skills -- have you made any significant contributions to your employer? How recent are your accomplishments? Did your boss and others recognize them?
Once you have completed the evaluation, devise an approach that you feel comfortable with pursuing. Take note of information that will help your case and use it in discussions.
Timing is important. If the time is right, set up an appointment, or if appropriate, go on in and meet with your boss informally.
If things don't go well, or if you are not comfortable asking for a raise at this time, develop a long-term strategy. Asking for a raise should not be a one-time affair. It should be a concerted effort on your part to show your employer what you are capable of doing all the time.
Here are some things to do to develop and carry out a long-term strategy:
-Ask your boss what areas you need to improve. Use your annual evaluation if it is the most appropriate time.
-Ask what actions you should take to make improvements.
-Show your boss in day-to-day situations you are working to improve your weaknesses.
-Continue with informal follow-up conversations on your work when appropriate.
-Show you are a team player.
-Show through your actions and words you are loyal to the employer and your boss.
-Do the little things bosses look for from outstanding employees.
- Be to work and meetings on time.
- Don't take unnecessary sick days.
- Respond quickly and in a positive manner to employee and other departments' requests.
- Leave personal problems at home.
- Don't complain around the office.
There are things not to do in front of your boss when requesting a raise.
- Don't be overly aggressive.
- Don't give ultimatums.
- Never threaten to quit.
- Don't argue.
You may not always agree with your boss's performance evaluation, but always discuss it in a positive manner. Show him through actions and words you are working on making improvements. He may not be aware of what you are doing, so it is up to you to bring it to his attention.
Remember the key to success in the workplace is performance and a positive can-do attitude and image. Make sure your boss is always cognizant of your accomplishments and hard work. This is the best way to get a raise and maybe even a promotion.
Max Owens is a career consulant, writer and speaker with over 25 years of experience in employment. He has worked as an economist and executive in international trade and transportation within government and private business.
# posted by J.C. : 10:24 PM
