Tips for Asking a Salary Raise

It could be an increase in living expenses or maybe an extended period of time since the last raise that can spark an interest in how to ask for a salary raise. To increase the chances of getting the raise that is asked for, don’t rush into your boss’ office without being prepared.

Tip #1 for asking for a salary raise
The first thing to do is to find out what are the procedures for a pay raise at the company that you are working for. Be sure you are in compliance with all requirements. Some possible requirements:

•    Minimal score on a recent evaluation
•    Attendance compliance
•    A year since the last salary raise

Tip #2 for asking for a salary raise
Evaluate your job performance yourself. Do you really feel you deserve a raise? You will not have firm ground if you walk in and your only reason for a raise is that it has been awhile since the last raise and everything costs more now. If your performance has not been its best, wait a few months, improve your job performance and then ask for a raise.

Tip #3 for asking for a salary raise
Have a list of the reasons that you think you should have a raise. The list should have reasons that are based on your job skills and performance improvements since the last raise. No employer wants to hear, “I should have a raise because ________ makes more than me and I work harder”.

Tip #4 for asking for a salary raise
Have the previous evaluation handy to refer to. If there were improvements or goals that were suggested, be ready to give examples how you have made the improvements and met your goals.

Tip #5 for asking for a salary raise
When you are ready with concrete reasons why you deserve a raise don’t randomly approach your boss. Make an appointment to speak to him or her. Be prompt (early is best) for the appointment. Ask for the raise with confidence. Present your reasons and remain professional. If an answer cannot be given immediately, ask when would be the latest to hear about the results of the salary raise. Follow-up a few days after the date given and ask about the status of the raise request.

Tip #6 for asking for a salary raise
Don’t give up. Sometimes even when you do everything correct when requesting a raise and you have excellent evaluations, the salary raise will not be approved. It is OK to ask the reason/s the raise was not approved. Find out what you can do to increase the chances of having a salary raise approved. It is a good idea to find out what is an appropriate time to wait between salary raise requests is. Mark your calendar and try again.

You will never know if you are eligible for a salary raise if you don’t ask.