It often happens that after workingseveral years in the company, you are surprised to realize that your salary has long been hopelessly behind the market level. But for some reason, your boss is not worried about this issue. How to ask for a raise? And is it worth doing? There are at least three possible scenarios. The choice is yours:
- Option one is not constructive
To silently worry and be angry at the same timehoping that the boss will "wake up to his conscience" and "finally!" will appreciate you. Theoretically, of course, such an outcome is possible. In practice, it happens extremely rarely. As a rule, the result is sad - you begin to quietly hate your boss, your job, your colleagues, your failed life... well, and so on. Most likely, after some time you will simply write a letter of resignation.
- Option two - search for "escape routes"
You can start looking for a new job witha decent salary. Find out the salaries of employees at your level in other companies. Send your resume. Make sure that they are ready to take you. Well, why not change jobs? Perhaps this will become a new stage in your career.
- Option three - desperate
But what to do if you are not in this company?Are you satisfied with almost everything - job responsibilities, level of responsibility, career prospects, team... in short, everything except one - your salary? How to approach the "sensitive topic"? Talking about a salary increase - these are the same business negotiations. And as with any negotiations, you need to carefully prepare for it.
Choose arguments
First, try to determine if there are anyobjective reasons for reviewing your salary. What are objective reasons? According to experts in the personnel market, there are two good reasons for asking for a salary increase. These are "expansion of job responsibilities" and "increase in the volume of work." With such arguments, you have every chance of getting the long-awaited increase. Other, rather controversial, reasons include:
- "Significant increase in own qualification"
Of course, the fact that you have acquired new knowledge andskills, characterizes you as a serious and goal-oriented worker. But if you apply new knowledge to perform the same old job responsibilities, then why should this be an argument for your superiors?
- "Strong inconsistency of your current level of income to the average market"
Unfortunately, many managers are extremelyare sensitive to such statements. After all, when you got the job, you agreed with this salary, right? Therefore, this argument may not always work. It should only be used if you have been working for the company for a long time, and your salary has not been raised. Naturally, during this time, the average market salaries of specialists of your level have increased significantly. Are you convinced that you have every reason to "demand a salary increase"? Then let's move on.
Define the goal
Clearly define for yourself the amount that youwant to earn extra. Otherwise, a direct question may baffle you. As a rule, the amount of bonuses is 10-15% of the salary. It is not recommended to go beyond this level - otherwise, the management may be tempted to look for a new employee. By raising your salary, the manager will increase the company's expenses. Therefore, before asking for a raise, make sure that you have chosen the right moment. The business should be "on the rise" - this can be an increase in sales, the opening of branches or any other favorable situation. It is unlikely that you should start such a conversation if your company is on the verge of bankruptcy. It is worth considering one more thing. Almost all large companies draw up the budget for the next year in a certain period. If you know exactly when this happens, it makes sense to ask for a salary increase at the beginning of this period. Then the boss will not have the opportunity to tell you that the budget has already been planned "to the penny".
Catch a good moment
Make sure your boss is goodmood, he has free time and can calmly discuss your problem. You should not start such a conversation "on the run". Psychologists recommend holding negotiations in the afternoon. At this time, as a rule, there are fewer urgent matters. And it is safer to talk to a well-fed boss than to a hungry one. If you made some kind of mistake the day before the conversation, it is better to postpone the conversation. Otherwise, you can be sure that they will "remember everything". It is believed that it is best to hold such negotiations in the boss's office - there he feels confident and calm. You should not ask for a raise at corporate parties. Of course, most likely the boss will be in a good mood, but he is unlikely to want to discuss "production problems". And even if you manage to tell him everything you wanted, there is a chance that most of your arguments will fall on deaf ears. Remember all your achievements. Highlight the projects and initiatives that increased the company's profits. Prepare new proposals for the development of the area for which you are responsible. Make sure your boss can clearly understand why exactly he should raise your salary. That is, try to convince your boss in every way that not only you but also the company will benefit from your salary increase.
Make a plan of conversation
It is only natural that during an important time for youconversation, you may start to worry. Therefore, it is necessary to think in advance what exactly and in what order you will say. Try to imagine the possible objections of the boss and prepare answers to them. How will you react if the boss says that at the moment the company does not have money to increase the salaries of employees? Or suggests postponing the conversation until “later”? Try to act confidently and look friendly - do not put yourself in the “position of a petitioner”. After all, you are talking about your real merits and achievements. Be patient. You should not “pressure” the manager, trying to get an immediate decision from him. It is quite possible that he is simply not ready to answer right away. However, in some matters it is better to be firm. Ask when you can come for an answer. Otherwise, you risk never waiting for a clear answer. The worst thing that can happen is a refusal. But you understood that this could happen when you decided to ask for a raise, right? The main thing is to remain optimistic and try to benefit even from such an unpleasant situation. Try to find out exactly why you were refused. It often happens that the manager would like to raise your salary, but he does not have such an opportunity. In this case, be sure to find out when you can return to this issue. Offer to take on additional responsibilities that will be paid in addition to your salary. If such an opportunity exists, most likely they will meet you halfway. If the boss is not satisfied with the quality of your work, listen carefully to all the arguments. Find out what you need to change to improve the results.
Summarize
In any case, now you have the fullan idea of how your superiors evaluate you. Moreover, you know how to ask for a raise and how to talk to your superiors in general. And this is very important for building a career. And it will definitely be successful for you! We recommend reading:
