How to Ask Your Boss for a Raise and Get It

With the economy the way it is currently, companies are hesitant to hand out raises to their employees. Every company is run differently. Many will do an annual review and give a raise every year based on that review. Other companies don't even do an annual review and may even forget the last time they have awarded you with a raise. If you haven't had a raise in a while, don't just sit around and wait for one. Sometimes, the only way to get a raise at work is to ask for it. Here's the best strategy to use when asking for a raise.

Before you walk up to your boss and ask for a raise, do a review on yourself. Would you give yourself a raise if you were the boss? Make a list of all the things you have done to help your company the past year or six months. You don't have to give this to your boss, but you should take the time to recall what you have done that makes you an asset to the company. Did you land a big account? Do you work overtime whenever you're asked? Have you not missed a day in one year? Did you reschedule a vacation to cover the schedule? Have you received any awards? Are you a top performer? You should be able to pinpoint anything that sets you aside from your coworkers when stating your case to your boss when you ask.

Take a look at how the company is doing. If there have been layoffs recently or if they just lost a big account, you may want to hold off asking for your raise for another few months. If the company doesn't feel they're in a financial position to give you a raise, chances are you're not going to get it. It may be better to wait a few months and use the time to work on yourself so when you do ask for your raise, your boss will see you as a stellar employee.

Research what other people who are doing your job are making. If you fall below average, you can nicely bring this up when asking. If you're making average salary and feel you deserve more, make a mental list of all the reasons why you deserve above average pay for what you do. Do you have more experience? A college education? Do you perform well? Have a realistic figure in mind as to what you want to receive.

Know the best time to ask your boss for a raise. Right before lunch, before it's time to go home, in front of other employees, or when your boss is busy isn't the best time. Schedule a meeting with your boss. Tell him or her that you have something important you want to talk about and you'd like to schedule a 15 minute meeting with them to talk about it. This way, you know you'll have the undivided attention of your boss.

When you have your meeting, sit up straight and display confidence. Don't give your boss any sob stories about your personal life and why you need a raise. Any professional knows work and personal life need to be separated. It will be reason enough to ask for a raise if you haven't received one in a while or your work performance is outstanding.

Tell your boss you've been working for the company for "x" amount of years and believe you are performing above par. Briefly explain why you love working for the company. Don't say anything negative about your boss or the company. Tell your boss it has been "x" amount of time since your last raise and ask how they feel about giving you one.

Listen carefully to their response. Don't get upset. Sometimes, it's out of their hands and they have to go to upper management. If the company isn't doing well financially, ask when they think an appropriate time would be to ask again. If your performance is an issue, don't become defensive. Repeat back to your boss what they said in different words. "Okay, Mr. Boss. I understand. I need to work on 'x' before I can receive a raise." Ask your boss to give you a goal and how they think the best approach would be to accomplish that goal. Agree on a time to have a performance review. Let them know you're serious about the job, the raise and want to excel.