How to ask for an increase at work: a step by step guide
Put your best foot forward and get the salary increase you deserve.
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Regarding the list of the most uncomfortable or intimidating conversations you can have, asking your employer an increase is close to the summit. Depending on your relationship with your boss And the type of manager they are, you may have concerns about their response or fears of raising the subject. But if you feel like you are entitled to a salary increase, experts say that there is in fact a step by step guide to know how to ask for an increase at work. Read the rest for his best advice to make sure you have the highest chances of success.
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Things you should do before asking for an increase
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Explore what is competitive for your role.
Emilie Walton , leadership coach and founder of Alo coaching , says that before requesting a salary increase, you must seek competitive rates for your role, experience and field.
"You can use tools like Salary.com or check the job lists for which you are qualified and compare with their wage range," she suggests.
Make sure you have made an increase.
Walton also underlines the need to make sure you have won an increase.
"Companies are less likely to reward you exclusively for your service life," she said. "Unfortunately, loyalty does not hold the value it was in the past. Instead, consider the areas where you grew up, where you bring unique skills or value, and where you have excelled."
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Compile a list of victories in the past year.
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If you think you are entitled to more money, you should have the ready to prove it. Focus on your contributions to major projects and your history with customers and deadlines.
"You should show proof of your achievements and how you contributed to the success of the company before requesting an increase," advises Stephen Greet , CEO and co-founder of Ladies . "Certain examples of measures that can be used are more sales, lower costs, projects completed early or good customer comments. Using specific numbers and percentages to show what you have done makes your case stronger And more difficult to challenge. "
Jones trale , Strategic success and well-being coach in the workplace with TDJ advice , suggests keeping a newspaper of your achievements before your salary reminder request.
"If you can prove that you have added value to the company, this is a reason to reward yourself!" Jones shares. "Keeping this newspaper will make your life easier when it is time to think about how you added the business results, especially when it really matters."
Come prepare.
You should also make sure you have your discussion points ready to go. According to Jones, preparation can strengthen your confidence in these situations, which your boss will probably recognize.
"Talking about money makes most of us nervous, so when it comes to pleading in favor of a salary increase, take the time to write your well -thought -out words," recommends Jones. "It is better to be prepared instead of" shooting the hip ". Improvisation never strikes as strong as preparation!"
It is worth considering the questions that could also ask you questions.
"Be the Devil's defender and think about how to overcome objections before they occur," said Jones. "If you are left to defend your request on site, you can shoot a white and lose ground in the conversation even before it starts."
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How do you ask for an adjustment
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1. Plan only one.
First of all, you want to plan a time head-on with your manager to discuss something like an increase.
"Without their individual attention, your boss may not fully consider everything you bring to the table," warns Jones. "If you want someone to seriously consider something, plan time to have a real conversation."
2. Set a minimum and consider the type of compensation.
Walton also notes that your business can offer different types of remuneration, so keep this in mind when you go to wage discussions.
"Your company can be more open to the granting of one type on another. If this is the case, determine if you are looking for a basic salary increase, an increase in your committee, a bonus structure, a subsidy In actions in the company or another variation, "it advises.
You can also negotiate at your meeting. Because of that, Tara Bodine , human resources expert and founder of True North People Consulting , recommends being flexible and adjusting a minimum for what you are ready to accept.
3. Direct with your value.
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When you start the conversation on a salary increase, it is important to start with the value you bring. (This is where this journal of achievements and measures will be useful!)
"Give concrete examples of how you contribute, as" since the management of the customer report process, our satisfaction figures have increased by 15% ", suggests salvation." Focus on the value you bring to the company by highlighting specific examples and measurable achievements. Quantify your contributions whenever possible, as this makes your case more convincing and difficult to refute. "
Mention the positive comments you also had recently, says Jones.
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4. Keep emotions away.
Even if you are nervous before this conversation, while you ask for an increase, do not let your emotions make the most of you.
"It is important to keep a professional and high level attitude when you talk about an increase. Instead of making an emotional case for your request, make a logical profitability analyzed by facts, figures and achievements "Explains Greall.
If you end up making requests or ultimatums as a result of your emotions, this will probably not have the result you want.
"This type of behavior can harm your relationship with your boss at work and make you seem less worthy of confidence," warns to salute. "You can also make things more hostile, which makes your request less likely."
5. Understand that "no" is a possible answer.
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You know what they say of the best plans, so remember that your boss could tell you no, even if you feel like you have made a solid case.
"In addition to preparing yourself and as much as you deserve, an increase is not guaranteed," shares Walton. "Your business may not be in the financial situation to give you one for the moment, but do not sabotage your chances of getting one by acting."
She adds: "If you receive an increase is a requirement for you to stay in your current business and you do not get it, then start your job search professionally."
6. Be courageous.
Even devoting time to your boss's calendar can be intimidating, not to mention having the conversation itself. But it is even more important to know your value in these situations.
"I cannot tell you the number of people I know who want to ask for an increase but not, especially women," said Walton. "You need courage to have the conversation, and if you do your research and prepare your points, you could be surprised by the result."
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Things to avoid when you ask for an increase
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Presentation of personal or financial problems
Overall, experts say that one of the best things to avoid is to raise your own personal or financial problems as a reason why you deserve an increase.
"Even if your personal financial situation could be a reason why you want an increase, it is generally not a good reason to give your boss," advises Greall. "Instead, think of what you have done professionally and what you bring to the company. What is most concerned with employers is the return on investment (king) that they get their workers."
Citing your personal money problems can be interpreted as non-professional, he warns.
Make empty threats
Walton warns against "empty threats" because they do not peel you in the best light.
"It is common to hear things like:" if I do not get this increase, I leave "or" I have another offer on the table. "However, you don't want to bluff in this situation," she said. "If your business does not succeed in the increase and you do not leave or do not take this other offer, your credibility will take a hit, which can be bad about you in future negotiations."
Make assumptions
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Nor should you assume that you are entitled to an increase. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
"Never assume that you are next online for an increase based only in time." This is why it is so important to follow your performance. "
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Faq
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What is the best time to ask for an increase?
Unfortunately, there is no "best" time to ask for an increase, say the experts. But there are certain moments that could be better than others.
"If your business has an annual examination process and does not consider increases outside this window, then it is your best opportunity to ask," explains Walton.
She continues: "If your business does not have a defined window to consider increases and you assume additional responsibilities, you are a key worker in a very precious project, or have made precious contributions supported in another way, Then start the discussion with your boss.
Jones also notes that it might be good to plan a conversation after the company's positive news or for your work anniversary. The latter gives you the opportunity to "paint a table of growth that you have known as an employee".
Will my salary never increase without asking for an increase?
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This is another question to which there is no final answer. Salvation says you could sometimes get an increase if you have proven to be essential, especially for a difficult period. You will also receive a salary increase if you are promoted or if you have a change of job title.
Beyond that, companies often offer small increases called adjustments to the cost of living or equity audits.
Becca Siegel ,, Lifestyle blogger at Half at home , tell Better life that his first employer offered a 3% increase.
"This can vary considerably from one business to another and from one year to another: some companies are generous, and some are stingy, offering cost increases in low or none!" She warns.
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Should I always ask for an increase in person?
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In today's world, more and more people work in hybrid or entirely distant parameters. If you are at the office daily, a face -to -face conversation is ideal when you ask for an increase. But if you don't have the opportunity with your schedule, experts say it is also acceptable to plan a video call.
"Asking for an increase is more effective when made in person or on a video call if you work remotely," Shares Walton. "It allows you to develop what you ask, to make a detailed case of the reason why you ask and answer all questions in real time."
After your discussion, she also recommends sending an email written to have a file of what has been said.
"These processes can take time and details can be forgotten," notes Walton.
Conclusion
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There are certainly several mobile parts when it comes to asking for an increase. Although it is great when a payroll is a pleasant surprise, you might very well need to defend yourself to get there.
"Even if you work for an organization or a manager who is people who become - [a] who advocates increases and wants to develop and keep their employees - you will never have as much as you might sit and stay silent By waiting for you to tell you how much your value, "said Arissan Nicole ,, career and confidence coach .
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