How To Ask For A Raise

Asking for a raise should be a carefully planned move, not a spur-of-the moment impulse, because a lot is at stake here. To make sure you do it right, follow these tips:

a) Do prep work - Compile a list of your significant contributions that prove that by staying, u would benefit the firm. Your list of accomplishments may include instances where u saved money for the company, increase workplace productivity, etc. A good strategy would be to keep a running journal of your major work milestones so that when it's time to ask for that raise, u don't need to squeeze your brain remembering past achievements.

b) Ask around - Do a bit of research and make discreet, informal inquiries beforehand about the pay scales for similar positions. If your hunch is right that u are pretty much on the lower end of the salary bracket, u'll better be prepared to justify your request.

c) Consider timing - The best time to seek a higher salary is when any of the following elements are present: the boss is in a jovial mood, u've just been offered another job, etc. When is it lousy timing? When a new management has taken over, your work is so-so, or when your organization has been hit by a crisis.

d) Have options - Pre-meeting preparations should include options u can resort to in case ur original request meets with opposition. If the big boss tells u that he can't grant ur request, be ready to whip out those options. For instance, u can suggest a cash-and-incentive combination or other arrangements that are less likely to make a dent in ur company's pocket.

e) Stay sweet - Be present & cooperative. Let ur boss knows u r hoping for an arrangement that would benefit and be agreeable to both sides. Present ur case, backed by facts, objectively. Don't whine or plead or make him feel guilty.

f) Watch urself - During the negotiation period, it's best to keep some things in mind. Don't lie since u'll be found out eventually, but don't put urself in a negative light either.

g) Don't be greedy - Know when not to push ur luck. Be willing to make trade-offs, and don't push ur boss against the wall.

h) Listen - If ur boss offers alternatives, hear him out. However, u need not be compelled to accept or suggest anything u don't want. Avoid rash actions. Request for a day or so to decide about any counteroffer he makes.

i) Show your feelings - Should negotiations come to an unsatisfactory ending, don't give in to the temptation to throw a tantrum. Show genuine dissapoinment, then exit gracefully. Take this as a learning experience.

Source : Jobstreet.com