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