Maintain a professional behavior with the boss when requesting a raise.
Although all employees need a salary increase to meet their ever-growing expenses, not too many enjoy meeting with the boss to discuss a pay raise because it can be a stressful and frightening experience. A salary increase is based on performance, so if you have not been getting excellent performance reviews in the past several years, then perhaps you should postpone meeting with the boss. But if you think you deserve a raise and you can prove your worth as an employee, then schedule a time to meet with your boss. Two things that can bring you favorable result: right timing and positive outlook.
Instructions
1. Empathize with your boss. Think of what will go through his mind when you ask for a raise. Maybe he is going to be worried about the precedent your raise might set. He may be concerned about being accused of favoritism. Perhaps he will have to explain your request for a raise to his superiors, or maybe he's not the decision maker on salary increases. Anticipate his response and understand where he might be coming from, but don't get upset over your findings; just take them as a given and work your strategy around those possibilities.
2. Choose the right time. Before talking to your boss about a raise, consider the financial status of your company. Check your company's earnings report, find out whether other employees are getting salary increases or pay cuts, and observe the general financial condition of your company. If there are obvious signs of financial difficulty, postpone your request for later, when conditions are more likely to work in your favor.
3. Give prior notice. Put yourself into the boss' shoes -- imagine his surprise if he is suddenly cornered with a demand for a raise. Surprise leads to confusion, which, in turn, could cause a boss to sound non-committal. This is what many employees often misinterpret as indifference. Avoid this scenario by communicating your wish to talk about a raise well in advance.
4. Be realistic. A salary increase is based on how well you perform your job. If you have a case for a pay raise, then approach your boss based on your accomplishments. However, don't offer to shoulder more responsibilities just to convince your boss that you deserve a raise. Be realistic about your present tasks and how much additional work you can actually take up before you make an offer like this.
5. Maintain a professional behavior. Whether you are quoting industry standard pay or your achievements, make sure you do not sound arrogant, defensive or offensive. Anticipate all probable responses from your boss and be prepared to answer in a calm and positive manner. If your boss denies your request, don't leave his office screaming or threatening to quit. Instead, ask the boss what you should do to deserve a raise.
Tags: your boss, deserve raise, salary increase, your company, your request, increase based, Maintain professional