Asking for a Raise

Asking for a raise is a nerve wracking experience for many employees. While practically everyone feels that their services are worth more than what they are being paid, standing before a boss and actually asking for more money is a psychologically taxing experience. Unlike submitting a resume, accepting a job or resigning, there is no generally accepted protocol for asking for a raise. There are, however, some general guidelines that are likely to increase your chances of success. The most important consideration is your attitude in requesting a raise. If you approach your boss in a positive and congenial frame of mind, you are more likely to win him over than simply demanding a raise with a sense of righteous indignation.

One of the most important considerations when asking for a raise is the particular set of guidelines for your company. Most organizations have cycles in which they review employees for pay increases. For new employees, a first review and raise might come in six months, but these reviews are generally an annual affair thereafter. Some companies will not consider giving raises outside of this period of time and thus a pay increase request will not even be considered. For other companies, out of cycle requests have some, albeit slim, chances for success. Your best bet is generally to wait for review time and then ask for a larger increase than usual. Most large companies have industry standards-that are periodically adjusted for cost of living increases-for what they will pay. Therefore, large increases are something that most managers will hesitate to grant. This is why when asking for a raise you should create the best possible case.

Managers do not want to hear about your need for more money. Business is business and thus your pay increase should be justified by what you have done for the company and what you are prepared to do in the future. You should have a list of accomplishments, commendations and innovations that you can show to your employer that might sway him to see your point of view. You should also be prepared to demonstrate what new responsibilities that you would be willing to take on in the future to justify your pay increase. The most important elements to this conversation should be open communication and willingness to negotiate. You should ask your immediate supervisor, which shows deference to their position and because they are likely to know you and your work ethic better than higher tiers of management. You should also, whenever possible, conduct a pay increase interview in person. A letter or e-mail requesting a pay increase is likely to be rejected easily.

As mentioned earlier, there is a certain tack to requesting a pay increase. If you truly feel entitled to your raise you should be confident and firm in requesting an increase. You should not, however, become impassioned in negotiating for an increase, but open to discussion. You should not assert that your skills are irreplaceable as there are, more than likely, people below you who would be willing to perform your job for less money. Certainly asking for an increase is an act that requires courage and diplomacy. If you exercise common sense in choosing the right time and asking for the right amount of money, however, this does not have to be an exercise in futility. The most important thing to remember is to never offer your manager an ultimatum regarding your request for additional compensation. You might end up without a job.