How to Get The Raise you want….

Thursday, March 13th, 2008 @ 1:17PM

How to Get the Raise you Want

We talked about this this morning….Everyone thinks they are being paid less than they deserve.  Here are some thoughts and ideas….

***HOW TO GET THE RAISE YOU WANT***

You’ve been paying your dues, working tirelessly for The Man, and now you feel like you deserve a bigger salary.  Here are some tips for getting the raise that you want . . .

#1.)  HAVE AN AMOUNT IN MIND.  It’s pretty silly to walk in to discuss a raise . . . yet have absolutely no idea HOW MUCH extra you want.  Be prepared with a fixed number of what you really think you’re worth.
If they can’t give you the money—ask for extra vacation or perhaps a bonus plan….

 

#2.)  HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS.  Let’s face the facts:  You’re not going to get a 100% raise.  That’s just a pipe dream.  So don’t ask for some crazily high amount.

 

#3.)  USE “I” MESSAGES.  If you’re disappointed with their offer, tell them “I’m disappointed” instead of “YOU need to give me more”.  It sounds less accusatory.  Also, give specific examples of all the good stuff you’ve done at work to back up your case.

 

#4.)  DON’T THREATEN TO LEAVE.  Unless you’re willing to be jobless . . . it’s not really a great idea to threaten them that you’ll leave if they don’t give you more money.

 

#5.)  NEVER COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHER EMPLOYEES.  Who cares if Bob from accounting just got a huge raise?  Using this as an example of why you should get more money will turn your boss off, and you could end up with NOTHING.

 

#6.)  ASK FOR A FOLLOW-UP.  If The Man just can’t give you more money, ask if you can touch base on the subject again in five or six months.

Good luck!
Keith