Even just the thought of asking for a raise can seem tormenting. How do you do it, do you really deserve it, and what happens if they say no? All of these questions and more are probably rattling through your head, but it doesn't have to be as scary a task as it may seem.

If it's been awhile since you got a raise, it's probably about time for one. If you've been on the job for more than a year and have never gotten a raise, it's definitely time for one. Unless there is a reason you don't deserve a raise, why aren't you requesting one?

 

Do You Deserve a Raise?

Woman and man in meeting
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr

The first thing you should consider before you even think about asking for a raise is whether or not you actually deserve one. Time on the job does not equal the deserving of a raise. Here are some of the things that do, however –

 

  • You work without being asked – Instead of waiting to be told to do things when you're on the job, you look for things to do. You take initiative, or you at least ask for the next assignment.
  • You are a positive influence to the business (or team) – You're making positive suggestions and helping other employees make a positive impact on the business.
  • You clean when there's time to lean – You don't have downtime. You know there is always something to be done, so you're always busy while you're on the clock.
  • You stay on the clock until your work is done for the day – You don't punch out the moment the clock strikes five. Instead, you finish up what needs to be done, even if you have to stay on the clock for a few extra minutes.
  • You come up with creative solutions – Not one to see the company you work for struggle, you're one of the first employees in line to offer suggestions on how to increase business and boost employee morale.
  • You regularly ask for feedback (and take it to heart) – Employees that express an interest in bettering themselves on the job are showing their appreciation and deserve appreciation in return.
  • You don't make mistakes – While everyone makes a mistake from time to time, when you do make one you never let it trip you up. Instead, you keep on pushing, fixing your own mistakes and getting the work done.

 

If you show up on time (or early), get the job done, go above and beyond for the company, and work as a professional whenever you're on the clock, you definitely deserve a raise. If you do more than that, you probably deserve more than just a raise. Keep these things in mind when it comes to asking your boss for an increase in pay.

Here are some other things that factor into your ability to get a raise.

1. Does Your Company Do Regular Reviews?

2. Do Some Research On Pay Rates

3. Is It the Right Time to Ask?

How to Ask for a Raise – Taking the Right Steps

How to Ask for a Raise – Taking the Right Steps
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr

Once you know how much to ask for and that the time is right to ask, it's important that you pose the actual question in the proper fashion. You don't just want to blurt the question out at an inappropriate time. It's also not smart to talk pay and raises in front of other employees.
 

  • Schedule a Meeting – Start by scheduling a meeting with your boss. Let them know you have something you want to discuss with them about the work that you're doing.

  • Prepare a Short Presentation – You don't need a bunch of props, but you do need to go into the meeting prepared to describe why you deserve a raise, and you should have an idea of how much of a raise you want.

  • What to Say – Be clear and specific about what you want. Ensure your boss that you intend to spend a long time with this business and why you think a raise is deserved at this specific time.

  • Stay Positive and Show Gratitude – Be confident, but not overconfident. Show enthusiasm for your job and offer positive notations about the company and the job you do for them.


  • Know the Timeline – You might not get an answer right away. Consider the fact that your boss may have to go through other channels to get your raise approved – be patient.

 

You should expect your boss to ask you some questions – they will want to clarify some of the points you've given. They want to make sure that if they are going to provide you with the raise, you're going to continue doing stellar work and not start to do less because you got what you wanted.

They may also negotiate with you on the amount you ask for. If you can work with the lower amount, take it. If you can't, offer something in between your original offer and their counter offer. The key is to not losing your cool or coming off unprofessional is to stay polite and don't take the lower offer personally – they may have specific raise increases they follow.

 

What Happens if You Don't Get the Raise?

woman and man in meeting
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr

If your raise request fails to get you a raise, don't be discouraged. Ask why you didn't qualify, and if it's not because of money issues find out what you can do in the future in order to be eligible for a raise.  You may find out that you're making the top of what they pay for your position and that the only way you can make more is to move into a higher position.

You have some choices you're going to need to make if your request for a raise is declined. You can choose to stay at the job and work harder or try to move into a higher position. Or, you can look elsewhere for a higher paying job.

If you're staying at the same job, talk to your boss about when a good time to discuss raises again will be. Then you can work on the things you need to fix and broach the topic again down the road.

 

​Other Things to Request if You Didn't Get the Raise

Now that you know how to ask for a raise getting a “no” won't discourage you from asking again. Instead of being disgruntled, ask for something in place of the raise – See if you can qualify for some extra vacation time, some telecommuting time, or start discussions on changing your job to an increased title. 

 

Pin It on Pinterest

Shares