Raising the Ante: Using a New Job Offer to Negotiate a Raise

Have you been disappointed by a less-than-expected salary review? Is your boss stalling or holding out on your well-deserved salary increase?

Maybe it's time to look outside your own workplace for a solution, even if you love your job. Sometimes, a confirmed outside job offer is the secret weapon, the trump card, and the big gun that can often light a fire under a current employer. Just knowing another company wants you may empower you to ask, and it may encourage your boss to look at you in a new light.

If you are a valued employee, and you consistently perform above what is expected, then your boss will be quite likely to want to retain you.

Whether you sought another position on your own initiative or were simply singled out by a head-hunter, the fact that another organization values you can be a tremendous asset.

Another offer puts you in the driver's seat. Suddenly, you are a more valuable commodity. Immediately, you have options. You can stay or go, as you see fit.

Approaching your current employer in an adult, professional manner is critical.

Don't burn your bridges!

Life is uncertain. Anyone's future can change suddenly. You just never know when you might need a reference, or where your current contacts may arise again in your network

Be open to new options.

Who knows what opportunities might arise, after you stir the pot a bit?

No Wimpiness.

Muster up your courage, and make an appointment to see the boss. Request a confidential meeting. March right in and speak up for yourself. Confidentially inform him or her of your apparent predicament.

If you really deserve a raise, then ask for it!

Think positive.

Explain how you possess a strong sense of loyalty to the company; you would really like to stay in his or her employ, but you simply must seek advancement and a boost in income.

No Emotional Appeals

Avoid dramatic entreaties. Stick to the facts. Many companies have sliding pay scales for various staff positions. If you have not maxed out your job level, you may have room to negotiate. Have your ammunition ready.

Be prepared to point out various significant contributions you have made to improve the company's productivity and profitability. Demonstrate (with facts and figures, if possible) why you ought to be rewarded monetarily.

No Guilt Trips

Resist the temptation to compare your earnings with those of others in your department or area. Try not to bring up inequities or perceived ill-treatment you may have received, at least not during this meeting. Attacking your boss, even subtly, will not earn you the results you seek.

No Whining

Of course, a truly valued staffer need not whine, which only diminishes the speaker and listener alike. Stick to the facts. Request your raise without complaining.

No Ultimatums

Unless you are prepared to turn on your heel and depart from your current position, be careful to issue no warning, threats, or unreachable promises. Fight the desire to make "Or Else" statements. Strive to be as level-headed and professional as possible.

Be patient.

Give your boss a reasonable period of time to respond to your query. A week or so should be more than enough, even if additional tiers of management must be consulted. Being courteous is important, but being stalled is quite another.

Have a plan.

Once you have made your situation known, be prepared to actually leave your current place of employment. In some cases (particularly where classified information is involved), supervisors may suggest an immediate departure, once your intentions are revealed.

Your career awaits. Stand your ground!