How to Get a Raise

Five Simple Steps to Help You Get the Raise You Deserve

May 20, 2009 Anthony Vultaggio

Many companies are cutting salaries across the board. Yet even in tough economic times, valuable employees are getting raises. Learn how to get the raise you want.

Companies want to hire and retain talented people. And while many businesses are cutting salaries just to stay afloat, it is possible to negotiate a raise.

Be Valuable to the Business

Businesses take out life insurance policies on key personnel because they know that if anything were to happen to that person the business would suffer an economic loss. While every position may not qualify for this level of concern, the reality is that each employee contributes positively or negatively to the bottom line.

In order to get noticed for a raise it is important to work towards improving the bottom line. Generate new business. Find new referral sources. Introduce effective cost-cutting strategies. Motivate others to work harder and be more productive. Employees can create value in a number of ways. Find a way to be part of the solution and prove value.

Be Proactive at Work

Don't wait to be told what to do. Look around and figure out what needs to happen for the company to succeed then exercise influence as much as possible to make that happen. Employees that take initiative and show leadership are perceived as having higher value and are more likely to get a raise than their counterparts.

Be Reasonable in the Request for a Raise

When approaching the company for a raise, base it on reality. Consider the state of the business. Are they barely holding on? Has a key client has just gone to a competitor? Don't ask when the answer is sure to be no. On the other hand, if the company just landed a large contract and there is room to justify salary increases, research the market and make a case.

Find out what other companies pay for the same position. Highlight any additional revenue or cost-savings. Showcase leadership skills. Make a compelling case for a reasonable figure and the likelihood of getting a raise increases dramatically.

Be Specific About the Desired Raise

When the timing is right present a specific request. Demanding a general figure with no basis for comparison puts the burden on the employer to do the research. Prepare a well-researched request and give the employer an opportunity to consider the request.

Be Flexible When Reacting to the Corporate Decision

Employees aren't always privy to information about the company's financial position. If the employer insists that there is no room for a raise at this time, find out if there is another way. Are there opportunities for bonuses, flex-time, overtime? Will they reconsider in one, three or six months? Is there a milestone they would like to hit before they move in that direction?

Many people consider a raise to be a reflection of their worth to a company. They let their ego rule the day and determine what is a reasonable amount to earn. The reality is that there are economic factors that color the ability a company has to offer a raise that have nothing to do with worth and everything to do with being good stewards of corporate resources.

Employees that keep their ego in check and consider these factors when presenting their case for a raise have a higher success rate than those who enter the negotiation with baseless demands and emotional opinions.

The copyright of the article How to Get a Raise in Career Advice is owned by Anthony Vultaggio. Permission to republish How to Get a Raise in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Negotiating a Raise

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