Pay Raise Success: How do you go about negotiating more money for yourself?
How do you go about negotiating more money for yourself? First begin by asking for a meeting to discuss your career track and compensation. Once a meeting is secured, start by leading off the discussion with something like this: “I came in to discuss my worth and career track to this department and company. I feel it is time to adjust my salary upwards since I have been adding value to my position.”
Your boss may say anything to potentially weaken your resolve by offering such excuses as:
- Salary increases are not in our budget at this time
- Salaries are always reviewed in August
- The economy is poor
- The company is going through a rough spot
- You are making more than others at your level
- A raise would mean the others would also want one
- You were absent twice last month
- You have not been here that long
- Our company policy is _____________
The list of negative comments your boss might give is almost endless, but, to you, it should not matter. Your raise is not going to bankrupt the firm. If it would, then your firm is too financially shaky to begin with, and you should be looking for a position with a more stable company. In addition, company policies are often broken when the matter is deemed important enough.
However, you do not need to address any of this with your boss. Doing so would only put you on the defensive. Do not voluntarily address your boss’s explanations about why you shouldn’t or can’t receive a raise. But, do politely say, “I understand. I also came in to share with you my accomplishments over the past _____ months. They include….” And start listing your extra achievements and accomplishments, in an outline format, including as many measurable benefits as possible. Hand him your Power of 3 lists once you begin discussions of your added value.
You are not responsible for his or her reactions, only yours. If you are holding a Royal Flush or 4 Aces in Poker you shouldn’t worry what another player is saying or doing. You are secure in the hand that you hold. The same goes in your meeting with your boss. If you actually have added lots of value, then you are in a strong position to be taken care of at your current job or elsewhere.
Leave a Comment