Are you still dwindling between – should I ask for a raise or wait for them to initiate the conversation? But, in most cases, it’s only you thinking about a raise, neither your boss nor the management.
And you’re going all out at work despite having smaller teams, limited resources, and an added workload, but you are not getting the salary you deserve! It’s high time you ask for a raise.
Wait, where are you going? Are you prepared enough to ask for a raise? We suggest you make yourself discussion-ready to ask for a raise, even if you think you already are. The reason is that a salary raise depends on some parameters, starting from your performance to the financial changes in your company.
Let’s get to the bottom to rise high at double speed!
When You Can Ask for a Raise?
Most often, employees seem to be confused or are unaware of the fact that when they can ask for a salary raise. First of all, understand that asking for a raise is normal. Everyone deserves appreciation and motivation for their work. A salary raise is also a form of appreciation for the employee’s commitment and dedication towards their work.
If you are not sure when to ask for a raise, look into the below-listed situations for a salary raise:
1. If you have completed a big project
2. After an outstanding performance review
3. If you take on new or additional responsibilities
4. If it’s been already a year or more since you got your last increment
5. If it’s a profiting financial quarter for the company
6. If you receive a job offer from another company
7 If the company works on quarterly and half yearly based raise opportunities
However, before the meeting with your employer or manager, brace yourself with the required information and insights to make your demand for the raise valid.
Steps How You Can Ask for a Raise:
Follow the below-mentioned steps to put your best foot forward and get the raise or benefits you deserve. To get ready for the salary-raise meeting, consider these:
1. Evaluate Your Salary
To ask for a raise, you must know what you truly deserve. Do your market research for the salary range and benefits offered for the same or similar role in other companies. You can use some platforms like Galssdoor.com, Indeed.com, SalaryExpert.com, Payscale.com, and Salary.com to check current market trends for salaries and benefits. Also, you can ask your friends and connections from the industry, colleagues, and communities about the current raise trends for a specific role.
If your compensation is below average, you can ask for a salary raise. While assessing your compensation, carefully consider whether your company is in the condition to pay you the amount you desire. For instance, the company have closed a big deal recently or is witnessing an increase in revenue? Or has it suffered layoffs or budget cuts? If the latter is true, you can postpone the rise in numbers. Instead, ask for increased benefits such as additional paid time off or extra vacations, a new title, or professional development opportunities.
2. Qualify Your Accomplishments
Like assessing your salary, assess and enlist your work before asking for a raise. Ask yourself whether you have achieved your goals and performed well to deserve a raise. If yes, start documenting your progress and achievements.
For example, if you are in the sales department, prepare an Excel sheet to show them that you have reduced the extra costs and hours needed to finish the project. Or, if you are a UI/UX designer, show them that you have helped the website conversion rate by 120% by designing an exceptional user interface.
Now is the time to showcase how you have improved your bottom line to help grow the company, manage teams for smooth processing, and reduce processing time and interruptions for increased productivity and revenue.Â
3. Get Yourself Ready for the Most Awaited Discussion
Do you remember the job description you read before joining the company? It has been a while. We advise you to revise your job description and ensure you have carried your commitments and responsibilities well.
If you are going the extra mile, especially if your company is adapting to new working conditions, keep track of your most substantial accomplishments. Be ready to talk about the important projects you were (are) a part of and how beautifully you have performed to achieve the goals. Also, anticipate feedback from your manager or boss. They might have been noticing your progress and have something to advise you or if they don’t have the authority to give you the raise directly, they need to ask from a higher authority. Wait for them to put their points. Maybe they will offer you a higher raise after the end of the year and give you some complimentary benefits or perks for now.
4. Rehearse How to Ask for a Raise
Whatever you do, do it with confidence and clarity. This confidence and clarity come with practice. You can practise role-play with any of your family members or friends. Practice answering questions about the standard salary range you have figured during your research, hours or the budget you have saved for the company.
Your friend or family member can offer honest feedback on your tone, body language, and eye contact. Show your conviction throughout the conversation to make them believe you rightfully deserve a raise. First and foremost, you should acknowledge that you deserve a raise. If you are sure, it will show up in your actions.
5. Use Positive and Assertive Language
Remember, language (and tone) matters. While asking for a raise, focus on the language. Be confident and avoid saying I feel that I might deserve, think, might, and may. These terms make you sound unsure about your contributions to the company’s growth. Tell your manager that you did, not that you think you did, and what positive impact your work has, not might have.
Keep your language and tone simple and professional so it does not sound arrogant or too demanding. Be firm about the range. You have thoroughly researched and know you deserve the raise. Maintain a positive and assertive tone throughout the discussion.Â
Conclusion: Be Ready for a MakeshiftÂ
So, you have taken all the measures and have done everything to ask for the raise. However, your boss still turns it down. Don’t get panicked. This is not the end of the world! Be confident and ask what you should do to get a raise next.
If your manager is still not considering a raise, ask in particular what steps you need to take to ask for one, and ask for a review date. If this is because of any budget-related issue, you can ask for a one-time raise, either now or after a specific time. Also, if your boss has advised you to upskill yourself, i.e., learn a new language or earn a certification to enter a new position, go for it! It is their way of telling you that you deserve a raise with a new title, perhaps higher than you might think.
However, if you are dissatisfied with the decision and want to switch your company or change the job, register with the Remark Jobs job portal and get hired by the top companies with the best salaries.
