Tips for Requesting a RaiseWritten by Bonnie Lowe
You probably think you deserve a raise. But does your boss think so? Here's how to go about convincing your boss that you're really worth more than you're being paid. First, you must realize that doing a great job is NOT a good enough reason to justify a raise. Your employer EXPECTS you to do a great job. Your performance must be "over and above" what other employees in similar positions are doing. And you can't rely on your boss to recognize your true worth without help from you. If you don't ask for one, you may never get a raise. So here's what you do. First, make a list of your specific accomplishments that EXCEED job you were hired to do. Make your list as specific as possible. Provide a detailed record of how you've beaten goals, taken on additional responsibilities, and contributed to organization's success in ways that were significant. Second, do some research, perhaps at a site like Salary.com. Find out what others in similar positions at other companies are making. If it's more, you definitely want to have this information to back up your request. (If it's less, don't mention it and be satisfied with what you're earning!) When you have your ammunition ready, wait for right time to ask your boss if you can talk with him about your performance. Timing is critical! You want to talk to him when he's in a GOOD MOOD. If he's in a bad mood, distracted by work problems, or otherwise not very approachable, WAIT. It doesn't matter how eager you are to request your raise. If your boss is not in a good mood, you'll just be wasting your time.
| | Do More than Expected To Get AheadWritten by Bonnie Lowe
One of best things you can do to increase your career advancement opportunities where you work is to do more than expected. It's often not enough to just do a fine job and expect promotions now and then based on longevity. So find opportunities to show you can handle more responsibility or different duties than those in your job description. Here's one example from my own personal experience. I had a great job as executive assistant to general manager. But I often didn't have enough to do to keep me busy. I hate being bored, and I enjoy writing. So I began writing articles and submitting them for employee newsletter, even though none were solicited. The editor liked what I wrote, and every article I submitted was accepted and published. Readers even began looking forward to my articles.
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