Unless you don’t want to know the proper way to ask for a raise, this article is a must read! And, for the record, I’ve never met an adult employee that felt like they were sufficiently paid for the work they did at their job. And, unless you are lucky enough to work at an awesome company that is more generous than most, you will be lucky to see any sort of pay raise more than 3% in 2018 according to a study conducted by Hay Group for consultancy Korn Ferry. So chances are, you are probably interested in this topic.
Remember, all the information in this blog post is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. I am not an attorney, nor do I provide legal advice. The information provided is my personal opinion and not that of any organization, business, company, agency or other individuals. The author is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this article. If you need specific legal advice, consult with an attorney who specializes in your subject matter. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website (www.hrraw.com), is strictly at your own risk.
Penny Horton | May 8, 2018
Last week I published 5 Steps for getting what you wanted from your employer before resorting to submitting your resignation.
The fifth and final step I shared in that post was to actually make the request, professionally and clearly. But I know, that kind of conversation is easier said than done. For some reason, most people are pretty uncomfortable asking for more money so, if you need some help in crafting your message, read on!
You just need to remember, it never hurts to ask (appropriately) and everything is negotiable! You will never know if you can get what you want if you never try. Besides, the worst they can tell you is no, unless of course, you don’t keep it professional and end up getting fired. But, follow this template and learn how to make sure that doesn’t happen.
DO NOT DEMAND A RAISE.
DO NOT THREATEN TO QUIT IF YOU DON’T GET WHAT YOU WANT.
DO NOT TREAT YOUR LEADER OR HR LIKE THEY DON’T KNOW HOW TO DO THEIR JOB.
DO NOT MISTAKENLY THINK OR ACT LIKE YOU AREN’T REPLACEABLE.
DO NOT ASK FOR A RAISE JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE RECENTLY GOT ONE.
- Schedule a meeting with your leader. Leader’s are busy; show your respect by requesting a meeting that can be scheduled at their convenience.
- Prepare for your meeting. Compile notes from your research, rehearse what you will say and practice. Refer to Don’t Put HR in a Corner (Get the $ You Want in 5 Steps) for the research you should do to support the request.
- Give gratitude for your position and your desire to continue adding value to the organization. Start the meeting off positively to set the tone.
- Express your interest in continuing your growth, development, advancement, etc. in the organization. This is how you set the stage for your request, so make sure it aligns. For example, if you are only looking for an increase in your base pay but not added responsibility, don’t express interest in becoming a manager.
- Clearly articulate what you want and make your case for why you believe it is warranted based on your merits. Don’t be afraid to have your research and notes with you so you don’t forget any important points.
- Focus on listening to and watching your leader’s reaction so you can engage intelligently in the dialogue rather than preparing your response. Research active listening techniques for more insight.
- Take feedback, even critical feedback, gracefully and authentically. Accept and express gratitude for any compliments or kudos given. Do not get defensive and do not downplay your contributions. Be confident (after all, you’ve done your research).
- Expect the leader to obtain permission from someone else such as his/her leader or HR. This means you most likely will not get an immediate answer.
- Ask your leader for his/her opinion on how to best achieve your request. This creates a dialogue rather than a demand and as such your leader should be more receptive to the idea.
- End the conversation by reiterating the next steps, the anticipated timing of follow up and with a thank you to the leader for their time and consideration. Do this, even if the answer was a resounding no.
The key to success is being prepared for the conversation and not just marching into your boss’s office with an emotional demand. By following the template above you will be able to articulate clearly and professionally a legitimate and valid reason for your request.
I would love to hear how your experience goes so please leave feedback below or email me directly. If you want more specifics or individual advice on how to navigate a conversation about your exact situation, just send me an email.
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