How Not To Ask For A Raise And What To Expect

Are you planning to ask for a raise? If this is the case, you may be nervous. However, properly preparing before making your initiative for a raise can greatly improve your chances of success. Prepare to overcome your nerves. Discover how and when to ask for a raise so that the right people hear your proposal.

Then, devise a strategy to guide you to achieve the most effective result. That doesn't mean you'll always get a "yes", or your boss will give you the proper measurement you ask for. Along with your accomplishments, you could acknowledge a recent increase in your responsibilities and tasks, outstanding issues you've taken on, new strategies you've implemented, projects you've actively supported, and any plans you have even further to increase the success of your department.

 

How Not to Request a Raise

Here are the top six reasons you should never do it when asking for a raise:

 

#1 If at all possible, avoid asking via email

Although scheduling a meeting via email is acceptable, you should have the discussion about getting a raise in person. It's the best way to demonstrate your seriousness while gauging your boss's reaction to your proposal.

 

#2 Don't ask during a stressful period

When approaching your boss about a possible raise, use common sense. It's probably not the right time to discuss the subject with your boss if he or she is especially stressed and overworked. If you can, wait out the situation and ask throughout a lull, or at the very least when your supervisor appears to be in a good mood.

 

#3 Give an ultimatum only if you're willing to lose your job

Be cautious about how you approach the subject. You don't want to appear too demanding. Of course, be assertive and confident in your request, but be mindful of your voice and focus on becoming patient, professional, and comprehending.

 

#4 Negotiation should be done with caution

You should probably avoid framing it as a demand—"I need this promotion, or else!"—because you should try to maintain a positive relationship with your boss even if they say no.

 

#5 Don't use information about your coworkers' salaries to justify a raise for yourself

Keep office gossip out of your conversation. Although if you know, somebody else has a higher salary than you and believe you deserve an equal—or higher—salary, it's best not to bring it up.

It's simply unprofessional, and you never know whether what you've heard or overheard is accurate. Instead, concentrate on your unique experience and accomplishments and why you deserve a raise based on your own merits rather than what other people are paid.

 

#6 Provide as little personal information as possible

Preferably, you should eventually build your proposal to focus on why you deserve a raise instead of how you might need one. When discussing a pay raise, some things should be avoided.

Unless you are in a particularly close relationship with your boss, it's best to avoid referencing personal reasons, such as if your spouse lost his or her job, if you're sending another child to college, or if financing went bad, and instead focus on what you've done to merit a raise.

 

What to Expect After You've Requested a Raise

Even if you truly want to be informed immediately, don't expect a quick response.

Unless you work for a very small business, your leader is unlikely to be able to offer you a raise, even if they want to. It will almost certainly need to be addressed with the human resource department and/or numerous corporate managers.

Don't be discouraged if your request is denied. Despite how well deserved your raise is, there may not be enough money in the budget for it.

Many major corporations have official company policies that evaluate salaries and salary increases, so you may not be able to get a raise unless you are eligible under company guidelines.

 

Important key points

Select The Best Time For Your Proposal: Try to time your negotiation to coincide with the company's financial calendar. When is it most likely that your boss will find money within the budget for a raise?

Ask After A Major Success: Have you recently surpassed a major goal or accomplished something significant for the company? This is an excellent opportunity to submit your request.

Don't Give An Ultimatum: If you are threatening to leave, you should be ready to follow through.

Avoid Giving Out Excessive Personal Information: Your boss isn't required to understand why you require more money. They want to know why you are deserving of more money.

 

If your boss was not ready to discuss a raise request when you brought up the subject, but they did not reject you outright, you might also follow up on it. If you and your manager did not agree on a specific time frame for following up, two to four weeks after your proposal is appropriate. Remind your boss of your proposal, either in person or via email, and summarise your case for a raise. Be persuasive but polite, stating concisely why you deserve a raise. Then express gratitude for their time.

 

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