Many people are uncomfortable with a conversation that involves money and a pay increase is one of them.
Time and Place
Firstly, find the right time. Ask for a meeting, if you have not mentioned ahead of time what the meeting is about then be realistic that they may not be able to give you an answer straight away because they are not prepared for this. Asking for a raise can be nerve-racking, however, remember the old saying ‘If you don’t ask you don’t get’. Be confident in your approach.
Do you Deserve a Pay Increase? Have You Contributed?
Be honest and ask yourself that question ahead of asking for a meeting or a time to talk with your boss. Ensure you are going to the right person, and follow the right chain of command to show respect.
Be Prepared
Present your case well and prepare in advance for this. Discuss achievements that have happened so far since you gained employment. Acknowledge the time spent in employment so far. Express why you are an asset to the workplace, and remember to convey how you feel about the position. Mentioning that you enjoy working for them and can see your future there is far better than asking for a pay increase to have lavish holidays.
Try and have an idea of the amount you would like as a pay increase and be able to explain that figure. It is a percentage? Ahead of time do some research on current salary trends for your role. Consider if anything was put in the contract or employee handbook at the beginning of employment regarding pay increases. If so, are you ahead of this or perhaps you are past this point for example after a year of employment?
Use the Right Words
Try to avoid trigger words and phrases that might rile your boss. Do not compare yourself to another staff member who is making more than you. While this can be frustrating you may not know the agreements or specifics of your colleague. Use phrases such as “I love working here and would like to be able to come to some agreement that suits all parties.”
Avoid the real reason you need a pay increase. “I need more money because I am in debt”. While your boss may feel bad for you it’s also not their concern, they hired you to do the job and not to share over. Instead, draw the conversation to what you have accomplished.
Prepare for the Worst
You may get a flat-out “yes”, or “no” or be left with a “maybe”. Have you thought about the best way to react? Remain professional and calm and take time to go away and have a think. You may want to discuss this with others such as your partner.
Avoid using ultimatums or making threats due to the fact you didn’t get the desired outcome you had hoped for.
If it’s a “no” because of funds then you have to decide if the reasons behind this are a concern for your future or perhaps just at this moment in time. Maybe you were unrealistic in asking for a pay rise when you have only been there 5 months. If they give a reason that is performance based then consider this and ask yourself how you can improve. Make a plan of action. If the reason is beyond your control then perhaps you can be sent on a training course to develop yourself, maybe there is a budget in place for training. Whilst it doesn’t give you a pay rise it does aim to improve you as a person. As well as career development opportunities in the future.
If you need that pay increase and cannot survive without it and feel that it’s unfair and you feel unappreciated then maybe it is time to move on. Remember to leave a good lasting impression and not one filled with a bitter tone.
Let’s hope you are well prepared, you use positive language and the outcome is what you were hoping for.
As a recruitment company, we always aim to sort the right package for the client and the candidate. Having this in place ahead of time prevents unnecessary surprises and changes in the future. If you want to discuss salary guidelines you can get in contact with us here or call us on 0203 858 0233.