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It’s time to meet the boss to ask for an increase and impress him/her that he/she should give it to you. Remember: Most companies do not give salary increase now unless you demand for it. If you are asking for one, that’s your right!
Here are 8 steps to a higher salary:
1. Schedule a Meeting with Your Boss
Take the correct time and/or situation to ask for a salary increase. Make sure that the company has the capability to give you an increase. If it’s losing, your case is lost. Although some companies do give salary increases even if the bottom line is red, your company may not be the -exception. Timing is crucial to getting the salary increase you want.
2. Go to the Meeting
Assuming that your company is capable and/or maybe willing to give a salary increase, set the meeting with your boss. The best time to do it is after a great work review or at the end of the financial year. Avoid Mondays when your boss is likely to be at his/her busiest. A good time to -aim for is early afternoon. Go to the meeting 30 minutes before the actual appointment.
3. State Your Case
Speak of your accomplishments in the company. Remind your boss what you’ve done for the company. Talk about how you’ve increased productivity or how you’ve contributed to its profitability. State them in a positive way. Mention any extra training or study that you’ve done. You can also present ideas for company improvements.
4. Know What You Want
Don’t dither. Such an attitude will make your boss think that you are not confident of what you want. Besides, it can make you nervous that you lose track of your ends. The best way to do this is, be firm of what you want. State a dollar amount that’s commensurate with your experience and the going rate for your position.
5. Suggest a Range
Don’t give a fix amount of the salary that you expect. You may give a specific amount hat is way too high of what the company can afford. It can also –work the other way around. Your quoting price may actually be lower than what your boss has in mind. A much better strategy is to give a range. This will give yourself and your boss room for negotiation.
6. Invoke Tenure and Qualification
Remind your boss how long you’ve been with the company and the accomplishment from the time you began until your salary request. Tell him/her the extra duties that you’ve assumed during the time. Be as specific as possible. If your boss asks question/s about them, answer as clearly as possible. Emphasize how they improve company operations.
7. Present Supporting Documents
It is best that you put your request for a salary increase in writing. Copy-furnish the personnel department. Bring other documents such as certificates and other papers in connection with your work. If you have received additional training and/or education, present them, too. This will make the presentation of your request complete.
8. Finish Up Quickly
Make your points. If the pitch works, you have done a good jab. If it does not work, it may be that your boss is unable to grant you a raise on the spot, so ask when you should check back with him/her. If the answer is “no” because of budgetary constraints, negotiate for perks. Do not show a negative reaction if you don’t ‘get it. It may work against you.
Good luck! Remember the, ever-reliable cliché: Practice makes perfect! Even men are turned down when they ask for a salary increase! They also must; practice to be perfect at it.
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