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My
wife is due for a raise but afraid to ask for one. I think if she understood the
current successful techniques that are getting results she might be more
inclined to move forward. I am sure there are probably several ways to approach
your employer feeling comfortable and confident. My wife works for a design firm
that is smaller in size but is and has been doing great financially. Can you
help me identify some good general ways to ask for a raise .If there are things
hat she should not do, I would also be interested in learning what they are
also.
Signed,
Raising Our Hopes
Dear Raising:
I have prepared a handy chart for you. . .
| DO | DON'T |
| "Earn" a raise. | "Get" a raise. |
| Show how you have improved the department/company's bottom line. | Ask for a raise just because "it's time for one." |
| Quantify your contributions, especially those your boss considers important (dollars saved, production levels raised, clients attracted, materials reduced, quicker turnaround times, new training programs, team leadership, etc.) | Use vague terms to describe your contributions or rely on your boss' memory of what you have accomplished. Don't assume your boss knows everything you have contributed. |
| Show how you have persevered in the face of any adverse situations (loss of staff, busy times of the year, broken equipment, known difficult client, etc.) | Say you deserve a raise because the company is doing well. (It shows good judgment to put off asking for a raise if the company is not doing well). |
| Project your position's future goals to make the company stronger. Talk about any initiatives that you have underway. | Threaten to find another job if the raise isn't given (unless you can find one in the next couple of minutes!) |
| Schedule a time to meet with your boss and a few days prior to the meeting send a one-page summary of your accomplishments using concrete action terms. This will allow you to forego dumping all the info on your boss at once and enable you to listen during the meeting. | Drop by unexpectedly to discuss a raise. |
| Remember more money is not the only way to get a "raise." Perhaps more vacation time, a promotion, stock options, or other benefits can be part of your request. | Consider money to be the only thing a company has to offer. |
| Know your market value (research what are those in similar positions in your city/area making). Also see Bureau of Labor Statistics. | Compare your salary to others in the company. |
| Prepare by practicing the raise interview with someone who will critically evaluate your claims and ask tough questions. | Let yourself or your boss be unprepared for the meeting. |
| Let your boss name a number first in any negotiations ("What did you have in mind?") | Let your boss pressure you into naming a number first. |
| Have a nonconfrontational "this is what I think is fair" attitude and be willing to compromise. Even if you don't secure a raise, your boss will respect you for your assertiveness and professionalism. | Worry about or fear asking for a raise. |
WEGO moves through work life with a calm assertiveness.
Dan West