Get A Raise - Five Steps

You think it's time that you get a raise from your employer, but how do you go about it? Do it wrong and you may make things even worse. How do you do it right? Try the following five-step process.

1. Make sure you deserve the raise.

It may seem too obvious to say that you should do a good job before asking for a raise, but it is also often overlooked. Many employees seem to feel that simply showing up for a year merits an increase in pay. It doesn't. Actually, even working hard doesn't mean much, if you are not working on things that matter. The question is whether you are bringing real value to the employer. In other words, make sure you are not just busy, but doing what needs to be done.

2. Let your employer know you are valuable.

Doing a great job won't help if the person who makes the decision on your pay doesn't know it. Be visible. Leave a memo telling your boss what you accomplished that week, or have associates point out what you are doing. Try to find solutions for any problems your employer is having, and be sure you get the credit.

3. Gather information.

Before you ask for a raise, you have to know what is a realistic request. Ask for too much, and you may just make the boss think about replacing you. On the other hand, you want to get all that you can. Find out what others are being paid in your company, and what kinds of raises they have received in the past. Visit the U.S. Labor Department's Bureau Of Labor Statistics website (http://www.bls.gov/bls/blswage.htm) to see what the average pay is for your job in your state and around the country. Take notes.

4. Prepare your case.

To get a raise you'll want to make your request realistic based on national norms and on what people in your company make. Start high (but not too high), so the boss can negotiate your raise down to what your actual target is. Also, be clear on what you want. Is it just higher pay, or are you also seeking a better position or benefits of some sort?

Prepare a list of things you've accomplished while working for your employer. As much as possible, link these to some measurable increase in profits, or make a reasonable argument for how they boosted the company revenue. Be as specific as you can be. Don't stretch the truth, but show that you're valuable to the company and you know it.

Plan for contingencies. Consider what you're willing to do depending on various responses. In my working days, for example, I often got what I wanted by threatening to quit. But I really intended to quit (and sometimes did). If you bluff you might lose a job you like, or lose your negotiating power in the future. Think about what you'll say and what you will do if the boss says no, or offers less. You might bring it up again in a couple months. You might look for other jobs. Could you risk mentioning this job search as a possibility?

5. Get a raise.

Don't expect your employer to notice your great work and offer a raise. Now that you have gathered information and planned your presentation, you have to sell your boss on the idea. Make an appointment if necessary, but make it when he or she won't be too distracted, like late afternoon, when lunch is past and work is caught up. Otherwise, wait for a noticeable good mood and just ask to speak with him or her right then.

You have made yourself valuable to the company. You have advertised that fact. You have gathered the necessary information and prepared your presentation. Now smile, go for the close and get a raise.