Asking for a raise can be a very intimidating experience for some employees and when not carefully planned, may end up in disaster. By avoiding the following common mistakes employees make when asking for a raise, you can greatly increase the chances of you getting that raise.
Timing is everything
asking for a raise requires some awareness on your part. Notice recent budget cuts? Are employees being laid off? Sizing down or outsourcing? Then this may not be the best time to ask for a raise. If costs are being cut then you will look oblivious walking in and asking for a raise. If you must absolutely request a raise during tough times, be ready to present evidence that you’re being underpaid and that your performance is fantastic; also make sure to bring up the fact that you’re aware of the budget issues when making the request. If the request is turned down due to financial tough times, do not be afraid to ask again after a decent period of time (6 months at least).
Be realistic
Don’t ask for too much or when your performance hasn’t been the best. In order to successfully get that raise you’ve been wanting, you need to be sure that your performance has been incredible and you need to explain how your performance has been making the company money. If your performance hasn’t been the best in recent times, take some time to bring your numbers up and document the cold, hard numbers so that you may present them in the future. When making your case, also make sure to present a realistic figure of what you’re expecting your new salary to be. If you’re not entirely sure of what your new salary should be, then don’t throw a figure yet. Make your case and wait for your boss to propose a new salary.
Don’t act entitled
Even if your performance has been on point, you should never feel like you’re entitled to a raise. While performance does play a huge part in whether or not you will get the raise, other things that your boss will take into account when making the decision include how well you get on with others, lateness and absenteeism, department budget and maybe even whether he likes you or not. It is also important to keep in mind that you won’t get a raise simply for showing up; you need to go above and beyond your work duties in order to show WHY you deserve a raise. If your request is turned down, do not become adversarial. Build a better case for yourself and come back in 6 months. Acting resentful that you’re not earning what you think is a fair salary is quite possibly one of the worst things you can do when asking for a raise. Show your boss that you are grateful and content with your job and let him know what you are bringing to the table. Finally, please do not threaten to leave if you don’t get what you’re asking for; in 95% of the cases you will be told to leave. Remember that all employees are important but nobody is essential.
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