10 Tips to ask for a pay rise

Even in a doubtful economic environment, every employee has the right to ask for a raise. Anyway, it has to be done at the right time and wisely to avoid bad consequences. Here are 10 tips to help you receive a positive answer from your employer.

1. Choose the perfect time

Asking for a rise in pay has to be done at the right time. Some enterprises have internal conditions related to this kind of request. If the company you are working does not have, it is best to use the annual balance sheet or evaluation.

2. It’s now or never

Remember to drop your request off at your manager’s hand when you think he is the more receptive. Approaching him at the end of the week or talk about it in the hallway is not very professional. You would better ask for an appointment or via mail.

3. Grounds for claiming

Before getting to the heart of the matter, stay evasive about the reasons of your request and negotiation. Focus the conversation on the state of your workplace and related benefits before talking about salary. You boss will be more tolerant.

4. Know your value compared to others

You have to take into account external factors. This is an essential step before asking for a pay raise. So that it can be realistic, analyze other employees’ salaries having the same function as you. Furthermore, refine arguments in order to make them enough convincing.

5. Analyze the market

It is very smart to check the average salaries for the position you are occupying. To do this, you will have to take into account the job description, the required experience, missions and locations.

6. Prepare arguments

A request has to be preceded with the good performance or productivity you have performed throughout the company. If you are exceeding objectives, you are on the right way to obtain the rise. You will need to calculate your usefulness through all successful projects.

7. Play on the salary range

Be sure of your request. From the analysis you made, just calculate your price. Of course, your manager will keep the lowest price. So then, you will have to be smart and skillful when negotiating the right salary you are asking for. For example, if you want 5% of increase, ask for 8%.

8. Negotiate the increase

D-Day, get to the heart of the matter without forgetting to show your future prospects (responsibilities and investment). Know that the company cannot give you an immediate increase in salary. Thus, it is up to you to set a response date while remaining sound and reasonable.

9. In case of refusal

At any time, you have to face a negative answer from your manager. In this case, focus your plan in other benefits (participation, commission, restaurant tickets, etc).

10. In case of positive answer

This is not an easy thing to obtain a 5%increase. If you succeed it is mainly thanks to your professionalism. Thank your boss while renewing your commitment to the company.