In the past, it was normal to expect an automatic raise in your annual salary. But after the economy experienced the CoVid-12 shut down, having employment, let alone automatic salary increases are almost non-existent. If you’re fortunate to be employed after the Covid-19 hysteria subsides, you will have to ask for it.
The unfortunate fact is that a vast majority of workers are still beclouded by the belief that their employers know their value, and will always pay them what they are worth. But, as employers are always looking for ways to conserve funds, they will rarely increase your salary unless you ask for it.
Now that you know the necessity of asking for a raise, how do you go about asking for it and getting it, particularly when 10% of the population is unemplyed? Here are some steps to follow when asking for a raise that will increase your chances of success:
BRING FACTS
You need to arm yourself with important facts about your company and industry: Is your company meeting its financial goals? Is anyone getting a raise in your company? What are other people in your industry and in the same level receiving as salary from their employers? T his information will help you know whether it is proper to ask for a raise or not.
QUALIFY YOURSELF
No employer will be willing to pay you more than you are worth. So before you ask for a raise, you should access yourself to know what you are really worth to your employer. Have you been delivering more results than you are paid to do? Are you helping your company achieve their goals?
If you feel you are adding real value to your company and so deserve a raise, gather all the data and reasons that supports your argument and then ensure that they are arranged in a very impressive order for maximum impact and results. Having carefully appraised your worth, the expected raise must be commensurate with your position, qualification, value and input within the establishment.
TIME CORRECTLY
Timing can be everything in a tricky situation such as this. Is your company performing well? Asking for a raise when the company is heading downwards financially might make you look like you are inconsiderate and insensitive to the problems of the company. You should know the best time to talk to your employer about a raise. You may have to wait until your annual employee review? Asking for a raise at the wrong time will make your request dead on arrival, leaving you feeling disappointed.
ASKING FOR THE RAISE
Now that you have ascertained that your timing is perfect to ask for a raise, you should schedule an appointment with your employer to talk it over with him. You should send him/her an email to request a Zoom meeting since remote working has made it increasingly difficult to bump into your boss in the halls and request a face to face.
Prior to your meeting with your employer, prepare yourself for the conversation. Find out what your employer’s greatest challenge is and what their priorities are for the coming year, then prepare some suggestions for solutions to those challenges. Show your boss that you are aligned with the company’s priorities.
When you lock in the Zoom with your manager, stay calm, and be yourself. You should never try to raise your voice or use expressions that show anger or frustration. Maintaining your professionalism will help you think more rationally and clearly.
The meeting should be positive. List your achievements, any company cost savings you enacted and leadership initiatives you accomplished during the past year. Show your are a team player and care about the expenses of the company. Be sincere.
Your request should not sound demanding. Objectively provide evidence to show that you have been performing above par and you are worth the additional investment. Your work here is to convince your employer that you deserve a raise and that you have earned it.
After you have tendered your evidence and best Oscar performance, silence becomes your best tool. At this point, just close your mouth and wait for your employer to respond. Remain positive and proactive in the conversation. Respond with facts and show your worth with those facts. If you are very prepared and your timing is right, your chances of getting a raise when you ask for it are in your favor.
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