How to ask for a raise: 15 tips to get that money

Observe your surroundings

This step requires all your attention and objective analysis, as it requires you to carefully observe the situation in which your company finds itself, both in the economic work sense. If possible, look into the company’s earnings, their hiring and firing, and what other people in similar positions are making.

Consider your boss’s workload

Before scheduling an appointment with your direct boss or with the person in charge of HR, try to find a time when they will be relaxed and in a good mood. The ideal will be to wait for the right moment to ask for a meeting to discuss your concerns regarding the salary you receive and the raise you would like. You don’t want to meet your boss before an important meeting, as this could make your request less important.

Choose the ideal time to ask for that raise

Choosing the ideal time to request a salary increase is crucial. Experts typically offer two main options, at the end of the fiscal year or during a job performance review. This is because, during a review of a worker’s performance, your manager is prepared to discuss important issues with you in an environment of complete trust.

Analyze salary trends

Another part of the research corresponds to the study of wage trends. Do a thorough search for positions similar to yours and the duties required in them, as well as the salary received by these employees. Analyzing salary trends, not only in the area where you live but also in other cities or states, will allow you to verify that the salary you receive is adequate, in addition to giving you the basis you need to make a formal request.

Compare your salary with other people

Along with the research carried out in other companies, do not forget to compare your salary with that of your colleagues, especially those who work in the same area as you. Although it is true that talking about money is still considered a taboo, the reality is that talking openly about the subject will be very useful for all employees of a company.

Make a list of all your job tasks

Now that you know how much a person who has the same position as you earns, it’s time to review all the responsibilities that have been assigned to you over the years. Creating a list of all your current tasks will help you present yourself more confidently to your employer and describe the reasons why you think it’s time for a raise.

Write what you want to communicate

Yes: requesting a raise from a direct manager can seem intimidating, but remember that this is an important moment that will show the confidence you have about your value as a professional. The answer? Write everything you want to say! Make an outline of your main objectives, the message you want to communicate, choose the right words and read them out loud to hear how they might be received. With this, you will be able to make the necessary adjustments to communicate more effectively.

Be specific about the increase

Writing down your tasks, doing market research, and drafting a letter will go a long way in sending a concise message and avoiding confusion regarding the salary you are seeking. When you have made a list of your tasks, write down exactly what they consist of and explain as clearly as possible the reasons why you deserve a raise.

Prepare to answer questions

First of all, security: going prepared to a meeting in which you will talk with your boss about a potential salary increase will be key to demonstrating that your arguments are solid and well-founded. Remember that it is very possible that you will be questioned, but if you arrive at the meeting with specific figures and information backed by reliable sources, it will be easier for your request to be accepted.

Submit a written request

Verbal agreements are often helpful, but they are not always the best option to close important deals, such as authorizing salary increases. This is why we recommend sending a formal letter to your employer. In the letter, you must detail not only the exact amount you want to access with your new salary, but also the description of current and future obligations that will support your new salary.

Ask for advice from your co-workers

Maybe you want to ask for a raise in the coming months, or you may still find yourself deciding when the due date will be; whatever the case, use the feedback of your colleagues and, if possible, managers or area managers. If you go to a meeting with those responsible for authorizing the salary increase you are requesting and show them the opinions that your colleagues have of you, they will have more evidence of the tasks you perform and the reasons that have led you to ask for a raise.

Take on more responsibilities at work

Planning a raise takes some time, but it’s better to plan than to come to a meeting uncertain of the raise that will be asked for or the reasons why it will be asked for; In these cases, part of the preparation is taking on more responsibilities. This will serve as a guideline for your direct manager to know that you are a proactive person who is able to handle the pressure of carrying out different important tasks at the same time.

Be patient

When asking for a salary increase, you have several options. One of them is that you get the increase immediately, although the other option that you will have to wait a few more months. Being patient also implies being empathic with the situation the company is going through and defining a timeline or period in which you expect to receive a salary increase; after that time, it will be time to ask again.

Work on a plan “b”

You may not be given a raise immediately, but that does not mean that it is a definitive denial. Meanwhile, work on an alternative plan to get new benefits. These can include: more vacation days, a change in schedule, higher benefits and even paid days off; thus, you will obtain other benefits that compensate, at least momentarily, the salary you receive.

Negotiate a new salary

One of the reasons why it is important to do market research and compare the salary received by professionals in your area is that this will allow you to establish a target range that will help you negotiate a new salary figure. Do not be afraid to negotiate, because although you may not get the initial amount you had in mind, you may reach an agreement so that the final amount is fair for both parties.

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