The following steps will help you prepare for the face to face with your boss for this all-important conversation.
- Write down any and all reasons as to why you deserve a raise. Write down everything you think of, focusing on how and where you meet and exceed your employer’s expectations and your workload. For example; Do you take on additional responsibilities? Do you cover for other employees from time to time? Do you do more than what is expected from you?
- List accomplishments and focus on anything that made money, saved time or increased productivity.
- Go through your list and make it as short as possible and easy to read with bullet points.
- Arrange the all important appointment
- Open the meeting with a prepared “thank you for taking the time to meet with me” and state that you wish to discuss your position and current compensation package. Then say something like “My current duties, performance and accomplishments include the following;” then read your bullet point list. Close the opening by saying somethin like “In light of this I would like to discuss an increase in my current compensation package”
- LISTEN!!! At this point listen 100%, do not interrupt. Let your boss finish and show that you are willing listen. At this point you need to take what was said and turn it into a positive. If your boss wants to get back to you then let him and start that follow up meeting from this point. If legitimate reasons was given as to why they cannot grant you a raise then negotiate other perks like additional time off or one-time bonus.
- Possible dead end? If the conversation hits this point ask what you need to do to get a raise. This could be changing position, taking on other responsibilities or challenges but ask so that you know and can work towards your goal.
- If you are given a raise ask for it in writing. What was agreed needs to be official and neither party can come back later and go back on what was agreed if you have it in writing.
- Always KEEP RECORDS! What you do, when you do it and how you do it write it all down so that the next time you want a raise you have it all at hand.
We hope the above information helps you now or in future to get paid more… GOOD LUCK!
Additional TIPS:
- Don’t threaten to quit if you don’t get the raise. You may, in fact, decide to leave, but that’s a different conversation for a different time.
- Don’t tell your boss about your money problems. Being broke is not the same as deserving a raise.
