| I have to start by saying that the first and best | | | | asking for. Now make a list of the things you have |
| thing you can do to get a raise from your employer | | | | accomplished. Be ready to show how these are linked |
| is to make sure you deserve one. Of course, this | | | | to some measurable increase in profits if possible. At |
| should go without saying. However, many employees | | | | least make a reasonable argument for how they |
| think that simply being at their job a while is enough | | | | should add to the company revenue. Try to be |
| reason for more pay. | | | | specific, and don't lie about anything. You want to |
| Most employers will disagree. Unless you are simply | | | | show that you are clearly valuable to the company - |
| arguing for a cost-of-living increase, you really should | | | | and that you know you are. |
| provide more value to your employer if you expect | | | | The timing of your request for a raise matters. Don't |
| more money. If you're not doing a great job now | | | | ask for a raise when the boss is in a bad mood, for |
| then, start tomorrow, and do better for a while | | | | example. If you've got easy access to the supervisor |
| before you try to get a raise. | | | | who'll make the decision, wait for a noticeable good |
| Okay, so you deserve a raise. But don't expect your | | | | mood, then ask to speak with her, or him. On the |
| boss to notice this or think of it on his own. Most | | | | other hand, if you have to make and appointment, |
| likely, you will have to sell him or her on the idea, so | | | | schedule a time when the boss won't be too |
| you should be fully prepared to do that. Find out | | | | distracted, like late afternoon, when lunch is past and |
| what others in your position make. See if you can | | | | his work is caught up. |
| discover how much of a raise some of them have | | | | You should always know what your options are and |
| received in the past. In the United States, you can | | | | what you are willing to do according to the response. |
| use the U.S. Labor Department's Bureau Of Labor | | | | In my working days, for example, I got what I |
| Statistics website at to see what the average pay | | | | wanted several times by threatening to quit. But |
| of various jobs is. | | | | perhaps this only worked because I meant what I |
| Ask for a realistic raise, based not just on national | | | | said. You might lose a job you want to keep if you |
| norms, but on what people in your particular | | | | bluff. What you will say? What you will do if the boss |
| company make. Always aim a little high. This lets the | | | | says no? What if he offers less than you ask for? |
| boss negotiate your raise down to what you really | | | | Can you wait and bring it up again later? Can you |
| hope to get. Consider everything you want before | | | | look for other employment? How about mentioning |
| you ask for a raise too. For example, are you also | | | | this job search to the boss? |
| seeking benefits or a better position? | | | | Consider these things carefully, and be prepared if |
| Okay, so you have decided how much you will be | | | | you want to get a raise. |