Do you know how to ask for a raise?

Do you like your job? Yes...

Do you know how much you're worth to your company? Yes...

Are you currently earning that much? No...

Do you know how to go about asking your boss for a raise? Uhh.... no



Isn't it amazing that the most forward person out there also has difficulty asking for what they perceive they deserve? It's not like your boss can fire you for asking. The worst that could happen is they say "no, not right now." And, if you do your homework beforehand, you can even find a way to turn that "no" into a "yes".



Here are a few tips that should help you with asking for that bonus or raise:



1. Review your accomplishments. Make a list of everything positive you have done since your last review. Have you saved your company any money by suggesting/implementing improvements? Have you earned any awards that make you more valuable? Add all this to your list.



2. What is the "going rate" for your job? Go online and do a salary comparison search. Find out what other people with similar backgrounds and job titles are earning in your neck of the woods. Also, be fair - people in NYC or LA are going to earn more than people in Boise. I'm not trying to be elitist - I'm just stating a fact that certain areas of the country pay more than others.



3. Come up with a desirable range, and make sure to leave some "wiggle" room. If you want a 5% increase, ask for 7% or 8%. That way, if you have to, you have room to negotiate - and still get your "absolute minimum."



4. Schedule a meeting. I know, I know... most bosses have an "open door" policy with their employees. But, for something like this, you really need to have the professionalism of a scheduled appointment. That way, your boss can plan for it and make sure that there will be little *if any* interruptions during your meeting.



5. Be prepared for a "worst case" scenario. Your boss may say "no" or "it's not in the budget right now." Ask your boss if there is anything you can do, additionally, that would make a raise happen faster. Ask for their opinion on your work, or if there is anything that you need to do to improve your performance in their eyes. If they give you any suggestions, make notes and implement them into your daily schedule. That shows that you are open to criticism and willing to make improvements. Trust me... things like that really stick out with bosses. They are more likely to give raises and/or promotions to the people who ask "what can I do better that would warrant a raise or promotion?"



6. If the outcome is the "worst case" scenario, what are you going to do? Are you going to continue working, or start looking elsewhere? If this becomes a catalyst to change your situation, make sure that, even though you will be looking for a new position, it does not affect your current job. (But this is a topic I will cover in another posting."



Hope all this helps!



- Comments welcome



Mary Stewart McGovern

President

Stewart McGovern Enterprises

www.stewartmcgovern.com

mary@stewartmcgovern.com