Do you believe that you’re entitled to more money for the work you do? Here are 5 tips to ask for a raise from your boss and get the money you deserve.
In 2017, only 48% of U.S. workers received their expected annual pay raise. This is disconcerting, as wages are stagnating while the cost of living is skyrocketing around the globe.
As an employee, no one will fight for you, but yourself, so sometimes you have to work extra hard to receive your raise. Sometimes that means being assertive. If you want to ask for a raise check out these 5 tips.
1. Take On More Responsibility First
It’s a common refrain among job interview experts to “dress for the job you want.” When it comes to asking for a raise, you need to make work for the job, or pay increase, you want.
This means taking on more responsibility, becoming more invaluable to the company. If your bosses see that you’re carrying a heavy load for them, they’ll be more likely to give you a raise because they don’t want to risk having you leave for greener pastures.
2. Share Your Successes
As always, you’re your own best hype man. And unfortunately, though we like to think the positives we bring to our workplaces are self-evident, this is not always the case.
If you’re toiling away in silence, and your bosses aren’t noticing your achievements, they’re not going to feel compelled to give you a raise. So when you accomplish something great, tell your boss or bring it to his attention in a more covert way.
You have to brand yourself as a successful employee. If they know what you bring to the company, it’ll be more likely that you see a pay bump on your boss’ free paycheck stub template.
3. Do Your Research
Before you request a meeting with your boss, make sure that your pay isn’t already well above the average for your position. Do some Googling and find the median income for your position and at your level experience.
If the average for your position is $40,000 and you’re making $60,000, you’ll come off as ungrateful if you ask for a pay increase. Of course, if you’re making under the average, bring that to your boss’ attention when you request a raise.
4. Don’t Complain
Complaining never really gets you anywhere, especially not at work. When asking for a pay raise, make sure to keep it as positive as possible.
Don’t speak negatively about the company for not paying you enough, don’t attack your bosses character, and don’t talk about how unappreciated you feel. Instead, focus on what the company can get from giving you a raise and express your gratitude for what they’ve given you thus far.
You attract more flies with honey than with vinegar.
5. Talk About the Future
When asking for a raise, it’s important to connect yourself to the future of the company. Your boss won’t want to give a raise to someone who’s just going to cut and run, so express your loyalty to the company and talk about how excited you are to be growing with them.
If the company sees that you’re invested in them, they’ll invest in you.
Ready to Ask for a Raise?
With these tips, you’ll be able to ask for a raise with a clear purpose and assertiveness.
If you need any more help with your workplace issues, check out the business section of our site. We’ve got tons of helpful workplace tips and tricks.