When approaching your manager for an increase in pay, use the following steps to help you achieve your desired results.
Asking for an increase in pay is never an easy task. However, it’s often a necessary one. There are certain steps you can take to ensure your request is heard, respected and (with any luck) agreed to. The following outlines how you should approach your supervisor when asking for a pay raise.
Do Your Research
Visit sites such as Salary.com to find out what the standard rate for your job is in your area. Most of these sites provide a range of rates that can generally be graphed into a bell curve; the majority of people fall somewhere in the middle, while the more (and less) experienced workers fall on the outer edges, earning slightly more (or slightly less). Use this as a jumping off point to help you determine your appropriate wage.
Consider your performance, level of experience, length of time at the company in comparison with your co-workers, and the frequency with which you perform tasks outside of your standard job description. Remember that these salary survey sites are not an exact science. However, they may provide insight into how competitive your company is in your area. The results are a concrete way to show where you stand in comparison to others of a similar skill set.
Know Why You Deserve It
Never use your life circumstances to justify your request for a pay raise. “My daughter needs braces,” is not a reason to ask for more money. Keep it focused on your work and how you contribute to the bottom line. Remember that the person who makes salary decisions is not concerned with your personal budget. They care about the company’s budget. Understand how you produce income for the company. Take the evidence with you. Gather sales reports or copies of client surveys that recognize your outstanding service. Take any documentation that helps support your request.
Be Prepared to Negotiate
Enter the conversation with an idea of how much you want ideally as well as a lesser amount that you are willing to accept. To kick off the negotiations, follow the tried and true method of starting high and letting them talk you down. Of course, you don’t want to start with an outrageous request. Be realistic but optimistic.
Create a Path
If your company is unable to meet your desired salary request, ask to create a path with your supervisor that clearly outlines what goals need to be attained to make your requested salary a reality. If you can’t get the pay you want now, be sure you understand what it takes to get it in the future. If it’s not a possibility now or in the future, it’s best that you know it. You can then make an honest decision about your future with the company.
Be Polite
When approaching this conversation, remember to always be courteous and professional. This topic can be very emotional for some people but try to stay objective. Remain professional and show your sincere desire to find a solution. It always helps to emphasize that you want to stay long-term with a company that supports your professional and financial goals.
Use these steps, along with a hearty dose of confidence to approach your supervisor when requesting a pay raise.
For more articles like this one, read Professional Goal Setting and Balancing Work and Life, and Defining Your Dream Job.
