|
How to Negotiate a Raise |
 |
Good negotiation skills are required while soliciting for a raise.
You need to know: What to say, How to say what to say and Why you say what you’re saying. One thing to keep note of is that your request could go both ways – it’s going to be either a yes or no. Here are some tips to help you.
Be Realistic
Exaggerate how much a raise you are requesting and you’ll probably get turned down. It’s important you are aware of how much employees doing similar jobs in other firms are paid. This way you’d have an estimate on what the industry standard is. You could then compare this information to yours while including your level of expertise in your area. A good way to get information on how much similar employees are paid is by posting a question on a popular career website or blog. Construct your question in a way similar to this - “I'm thinking of getting a job doing a, b, or c. How much do people with experience like mine typically get paid?” No one answering a question like this would feel he was giving out information on his pay even if he was.
Be Ready
Get yourself ready to answer any questions that may arise. Are you doing more work than your job description says? Has your experience surpassed your current pay? Make sure your reason for a raise is a concrete one and if necessary, point out the exclusive nature of what you bring to your employer.
Get your Timing Right
There is no better time to ask for a raise than when you’ve just sealed a huge contract for your firm or done something that made your employees say “Great Job.” It’s much easier to get a raise approved when your employers appreciate your hard work and productivity.
Be ready to prove a point
Most employers would want to know why you deserve a raise. Point out the fact that your work helped the firm attract many customers and profits. You could also mention a special event in which you were the one who saved the day.
Be Prepared to Bail
There is no guarantee your request for a raise would be granted so always draft a plan B in case things go from bad to worse. Depending on how things go, your employer should know your services are in demand. Having job offers from other employers may improve your chances of getting your request approved.
Be Polite & Firm with your Request
Present your request in a polite manner. Pissing off your employer with a rude request is not what you need right now. While in a discussion remain firm with your request, do not back down unless you absolutely have to.
Be Flexible
Requesting a raise shouldn’t be all about getting an increase in your wages in monetary terms. You should be flexible to accepting other forms of compensation asides money. You should consider requesting for other things like receiving free goods monthly – if your company is a goods manufacturer- instead of requesting a direct increase in wages. You could also ask for more days off, an improved Christmas/New Year bonus or the ability to work from home a few days each month. Be innovative in doing this, there surely are some allowances not currently included in your remuneration package. | 
