It often happens that after working a fewyears in the company, you are surprised to understand that your salary has long and hopelessly lagged behind the market level. But your boss does not bother with this question for some reason. How to ask for a salary increase? And is it worth it? There are, at least, three options for the development of events. The choice is yours:
- Option one - non-constructive
Silently to experience and be angry, simultaneously hoping,that the authorities "will wake up to a conscience" and he - at last! - will appreciate you. Theoretically, of course, such an outcome is possible. In practice, it is extremely rare. As a rule, the result is sad - you begin to quietly hate the boss, work, colleagues, your failed life ... well, and so on. Most likely, after a while you just write a statement of resignation.
- Option two - the search for "ways to retreat"
You can start looking for a new job witha decent salary. Find out the salaries of employees at your level in other companies. Send a resume. Make sure that they are ready to take you. Well, why not change jobs then? Perhaps this will be a new round of your career.
- Option three - desperate
But what to do if in this company yousuits almost everything - job responsibilities, level of responsibility, career prospects, staff ... in short, all but one - your salary? How to approach the "sensitive issue"? Talk about raising wages is the same business negotiations. And as for any negotiations, it must be carefully prepared.
Choose arguments
To begin with, try to determine whether there areObjective reasons for revising your salary. What should be considered objective reasons? According to experts of the personnel market, there are two weighty reasons for requests for higher wages. This - "expansion of job responsibilities" and "increase the scope of work." Having such arguments, you have all the chance to get the long-awaited increase. Other, rather controversial, reasons include:
- "Significant increase in own qualification"
Of course, that you have mastered new knowledge andskills, characterizes you as a serious and purposeful worker. But if you apply new knowledge to perform all the same old duties, then why should this be an argument for your superiors?
- "Strong inconsistency of your current level of income to the average market"
Unfortunately, very many leaders are extremelyare sensitive to such statements. After all, when you got a job, you agreed with this salary, right? Therefore, this argument can not always work. It should only be given if you have been working in the company for a long time, and you have not been paid a salary. Naturally, during this time, the average market salaries of specialists at your level have increased significantly. Have you seen that you have every reason to "demand an increase in salary"? Then we go further.
Define the goal
Clearly determine for yourself the amount that youwant to receive extra. Otherwise, a direct question can put you at a dead end. As a rule, the amount of extra charges is 10-15% of the salary. It is not recommended to move this bar - otherwise the authorities may be tempted to look for a new employee. Raising your salary, the head will increase the company's expenses. Therefore, before asking for an increase, make sure that you have chosen the right moment. Business should be "on the rise" - it could be an increase in sales, the opening of branches or any other favorable situation. It's unlikely that you should start such a conversation if your company is on the verge of bankruptcy. It is worth considering and one more thing. Almost in all large companies, the budget for the next year is drawn up 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 be able to answer you that the budget has already been drawn up "to a penny." 
Catch a good moment
Make sure that the boss has a goodmood, he has free time and can calmly discuss your problem. Do not start such a conversation "on the run." Psychologists recommend negotiating in the afternoon. At this time, as a rule, there are fewer urgent cases. And it's safer to talk with a well-fed chief than with a hungry one. If you made any mistake on the eve of the conversation, it's better to postpone the conversation. Otherwise, you can be sure that you "will remember everything." It is believed that it is best to conduct such negotiations in the chief's office - there he feels confident and calm. Do not ask for an increase at corporate parties. Of course, most likely the boss will be in a good mood, but it is unlikely that he will 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 go blank. Remember all your achievements. Highlight projects and initiatives that have increased the company's profits. Prepare new proposals for the development of the direction for which you are responsible. Do so that the boss can clearly understand what exactly he should raise your salary for. That is, try to convince the boss in every way that not only you but the company will benefit from raising your salary.
Make a plan of conversation
It is only natural that during the important for youtalk, you can start worrying. Therefore, you need to think in advance what exactly and in what order you will speak. Try to present possible objections from the superior and prepare answers for them. How will you react if the boss says that at the moment the company does not have money to raise the salaries of employees? Or will he offer to postpone the conversation to "later"? Try to stay confident and look kindly - do not put yourself in the "position of the petitioner". After all, you are talking about your real merits and achievements. Be patient. Do not "press" on the leader, trying to get him to an immediate solution. It is possible that he is simply not ready to respond immediately. However, in some issues it is better to show firmness. Ask when you can come for an answer. Otherwise, you risk not to wait for a clear answer. The most unpleasant thing that can happen is a refusal. But you did understand that it could happen when you decided to ask for a salary increase, right? The main thing is to remain an optimist and try to benefit even from such an unpleasant situation. Try to find out exactly why you were refused. Often happens, that the head and would like to raise the 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 duties that will be paid in excess of your salary. If such an opportunity exists, most likely you will go to a meeting. If the boss does not like the quality of your work, listen carefully to all the arguments. Find out what you need to change in order to improve the results.
Summarize
In any case, now you have a completethe idea of how you are valued by the authorities. Moreover, you know how to ask for a salary increase and how, in general, talk with management. And this is very important for building a career. And it will surely be successful! We advise you to read:
