Time to Ask for a Raise? Here's How to Do It
It's the ultimate irony, right? You're the HR manager. When senior management needs someone to negotiate salary issues, they knock on your door. But what happens when it's your turn to ask for more money?
You may be HR, but you're also human. And when it's time to approach your own boss with a salary hike request, it's not easy. But if you do your homework, time it correctly, and handle it professionally, you can succeed in getting paid what you're truly worth.
Be Prepared
You perform your best when you're well prepared for a key meeting or presentation--and what could be more important than meeting with your boss to ask for a raise? Do your research and walk in armed with the facts, figures and supporting data to justify your unique value to your organization.
- Ask not what your company can do for you, but show what you can do for your company. Justify why you have earned a raise, not why you need one. Be prepared to present measurable results you've achieved, new skills you've acquired, and additional work you've taken on to make your team, your department and the company more successful.
- Find out what your peers are making. You can't name names and you have to be discreet. But do some research to learn what other people in your position make--inside and outside your company. Use tools like Getraised.com and Payscale.com and be sure to factor in your level of experience and geographic area.
Timing is Everything
The best time to ask for a raise is after you've completed a successful project or led a team to measurable improvements.
Timing is equally important when determining when to schedule a meeting with your boss. For instance, if you work at a factory with multiple work schedules, avoid shift change times, which may be particularly harrowing. Opt for a time when your boss is relaxed, not distracted, and ready to pay full attention to you.
Attitude is Key
Heading into THE meeting with your boss, be positive, collaborative and upbeat.
- If the meeting is going well, provide a number that you expect for a raise. Don't hold onto it rigidly, but consider it a starting point for negotiations.
- Focus on the future. Show your boss what you can do to help secure future growth, expansion, cost reduction, quality control or other relevant business objectives.
- Be prepared in case the answer is "No". If your request for a raise is denied, don't overreact. If the issue is related to your performance, take it as constructive criticism and move on with improvement as your goal. If it's due to company issues such as a salary freeze, ask for something non-monetary like more paid vacation time, telecommuting, or a health club membership. And by all means, work with your boss on a performance improvement plan and future date to discuss progress.
Think in Incrementals
When discussing salary negotiations, author Stuart Diamond noted that "bunts and singles (versus home runs) win ball games."
- Rather than ask for an immediate 20 percent raise, be prepared to try for a smaller amount now and more in the future.
- End your salary meeting on a positive note, regardless of the response.
Salary negotiations are never the easiest aspects of your career. But if handled well, they can certainly be among the most rewarding. So stick to your guns, open communication lines with your manager, and get out there and earn what you're worth!
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