PART 2 OF 2: How to Ask Your Boss for a Pay Raise
by Sharon Feltham, Excellerate
The second in a series of two articles designed to help employees build and present a better case when asking their Boss for a raise
There’s a Right Way and Wrong Way to Ask your Boss for a Raise
1. Don’t get Personal
Most bosses are good people who genuinely care about their employees. While they may be concerned that your personal life or financial situation is challenging in this conversation there are only two things that matter: your performance and the amount of money available in the budget.
Do prepare yourself for a discussion about your overall job satisfaction though, as your boss will want to make sure that your salary is really the issue not some other problem.
2. Focus on your Position, Performance and Results
Telling your boss “I’ve worked hard” or “I’ve done a good job” is not enough. You need to give specific examples of the results you’ve produced. This is where you can reference examples from your Personal Best File.
“C A R” is a simple but very effective technique for presenting this information:
Challenge: What was the Challenge you faced?
Action: What Action did you take to resolve that situation?
Results: What were the Results? (for your customers, the company, your team)
You’re not bragging. You are clearly communicating the value you bring to your job (and the company) through the problems you’ve solved and the results you’ve achieved.
3. The Right Words for the Right Results
Dont Say...“I know Sally in Accounts makes $2000 more than I do” (or worse)“Joe from XYZ Ltd has the same job and earns much more than I do” |
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Do Say...After comparing my responsibilities in my job description with similar positions my salary appears to have fallen behind. My skills, experience and the results I’ve achieved would also support an increase” |
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Dont Say..."I’m fed up with being used around here. It’s time you paid me more" |
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Do Say... I was happy with salary when the job had less responsibility and because I really like working here I’ve taken on additional responsibilities and new challenges. My salary should reflect this” |
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Dont Say...“If I don’t get what I want then I’m left with no other choice, I’ll have to leave” |
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Do Say..."I really enjoy working for the company but I am considering looking for another position. It would be more expensive for the company to train new people or other staff than to pay me more when I already have those skills and experience” (but never threaten to leave unless you plan to follow through) |
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4. Be Prepared with the Right Response
When Your Boss says..."The market's really bad right now. You should be happy to have a job."
You Say..."Yes I have considered that but good skills and experience are always in demand so I'm not worried about finding a new job but I really like this job and want to make it work” |
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When Your Boss says..."The Company is under a lot of pressure. I’m sorry we just can't afford to give you a raise right now."
You Say..."When will the company be in a position to afford a raise?" Move to Plan B and explore options. “If you can’t afford a raise right now how else could you recognise my achievements and increased responsibility?" |
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When Your Boss says..."Everyone has had to accept a wage freeze. Why should you be the exception?"
You Say..."I've gone beyond the expectations and requirements for my job. I've worked extra hard, and I have the results to prove it." |
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When Your Boss says..."We just gave you a raise six months ago."
You Say..."That was to compensate me for the extra hours and my work on Project XYZ since then my responsibilities have increased and I've delivered results so the company should recognise me for that." |
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When Your Boss says...“It’s not up to me. I don’t have the authority to make decisions about pay increases"
You Say..."Then what do we need to do and who do we need to speak to about my pay raise? And would you be willing to recommend my request?” |
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When Your Boss says..."You want a what? But I have concerns about your performance!"
You Say..."I'm surprised to hear you say that. You didn't mention anything at my last review. Can you give me some specific examples"
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When Your Boss says..."Nooo!"
You Say...“What do I need to do to qualify for a raise in the next review?”
“Would you be willing to discuss this again in three months?" |
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Know When to Quit
You really want to hear your boss say they will consider your request and get back to you. If you’ve presented a good case and if the budget allows there's a good chance you'll get your raise. (Even if it’s a small increase to show your employer’s appreciation) But, if your boss gives you a definitive "No" don’t force the issue. Thank your boss for discussing your request and exit gracefully.
Leave the meeting...
Feeling good about yourself
Your boss with a positive impression, and
The door open for future opportunities.
You will have shown yourself to be a valuable employee worthy of a yes – next time.
Related Articles:
Personal Impact: (Part 1) How to Ask Your Boss for Pay Raise
Quick Coach: The Boss's Guide to Employee Raises
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