You want to get paid what you believe is right. So don’t sit idly complaining about it to your friends. Follow these five tips so you are fully prepared and confident in earning and getting the raise you deserve.
Stay optimistic
If you’ve been teeming with resentment, have faith that you can take charge of standing for yourself to air this with your boss. Instead of grumbling about being underpaid, be optimistic with those around you. Continue being genuinely friendly with those with whom you work. Don’t complain to colleagues, and don’t get involved with office gossip. Ensure that you always display an upbeat attitude. Being positive is contagious, and others will see it. It will help your boss see you in a positive light, too.
Take initiative
You want to demonstrate that your presence in your role adds value. Value shows up in measurable results such as making the company more profitable. Even if you are currently working long hours, when you want to raise your pay, your boss will see added value by working even harder than you currently are. Be careful not to you take on too much work because you don’t want your overall job performance to suffer.
Think like your boss
Consider both your manager’s perspective and the relationship you have with him or her. For example, take a project you are working on and imagine that you are your boss. Are you getting the kind of communication you’d like? Are you confident you’ll receive the result on time? How do you see your performance from your boss’s perspective? If there is a gap, follow up with an email that keeps him updated on your progress. By anticipating what your boss needs even before he requests it, you show your responsiveness and reliability. Your attention to her needs predisposes the manager to see your value and your positive relationship.
Prepare to speak with your boss. You want to build your confidence!
- First, write down your successes – your biggest accomplishment with its measurable value. For example, this might be a new program that saves the company in time and money. By preparing a list, your boss will be more likely to reward you for your results.
- Then, make a strong case – on paper – for why you deserve a raise. Do some online research to figure out what you’re worth. Use job salary websites. Look at salary surveys, cost-of-living comparisons, and rates of compensation within your organization. You might even go on interviews. If you find out you’re underpaid, this can be used to negotiate an increase with your boss.
- Lastly, practice the conversation with your boss to a trusted friend. Practice presenting what you’ll say about what the field pays, and why you believe your performance adds the kind of value that deserves a raise.
Speak with your boss
Make an appointment. Take some deep breaths and stretch before the meeting. Say to yourself as if to your best friend, “you’ve got this!” Bring your list of accomplishments and research. Stand for your value!
