If you’ve been feeling underappreciated in the workplace and feel that an increase in pay will compensate for that empty feeling, then it’s time to ask for a raise!
There are a few guidelines you should follow before asking for a raise.
- You’ve been working for the company for at least 6-12 months.
- Your performance within the company is often praised.
- You’re asking because you know you deserve it…not because you need it (even if you do need it).
A great way to begin the nerve-wracking conversation with your supervisor is by asking for a meeting to evaluate your performance. This notifies your employer that you might be asking for a raise but it isn’t rude! In fact, this is one of the most professional and respectable ways to meet about discussing your pay.
Once you have the meeting set, then put together a list of everything you’re currently doing in your position. If more responsibility is being added to your current position without an increase in pay, then include that too! It’s also a good idea to list your accomplishments within the company since you started. These can be big or small. Listing your accomplishments shows your employer how valuable you are to the company.
At the end of this list you should list what you would like your pay to be. It doesn’t hurt to go a little higher than expected (especially if you know you’re worth that much). Employers more often than not will meet you halfway so you’ll want to aim a little high to get more out of the raise. In the meeting, you’ll want to dress professionally to make a good impression and to let them know you’re serious about analyzing your performance as an employee.
The first question you should ask is:
“How do you feel my performance has been over the past (insert number of months/years you’ve worked there)?”
Be prepared to accept positive feedback. It’s okay to have something to improve on! If they have something for you to improve on, then I would say:
“If I improve on this aspect of my work over the next (insert number of weeks/months) would we be able to meet again to discuss a raise?”
However, more likely than not they will say that they do not see much of anything for you to improve on. This is your green light. Show them what you’re worth! Make sure they have a copy of the list you’ve put together. Read it aloud as they follow along.
If the company values you and agrees with your excellent work performance then you’ll most likely get a raise. If they say they’re not able to at this time then you have two choices. You can wait it out and meet with them in a few months to discuss this topic again or you can let them know that you’ll be looking for work elsewhere. However, if you’re at this point and you know you deserve a raise, then you probably do.
Go get ‘em!