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Have you ever asked for a raise?
Asking for a Raise
By Maureen Latta Friday, March 02, 2012Many years ago, a talented and hard-working coworker of mine asked our employer, Bob, for a raise. Not only was Gail's request declined, but she had to leave the job. This "worst-case scenario" happened because Gail didn't heed one important tip: when asking for a raise, tailor your approach to the specific employer. She used "leverage" by telling Bob, politely, that she had recently interviewed elsewhere and was ready to leave if she didn't get a bump in pay. Bob called her on it, and told her to take the other job. Our workplace lost a great employee.
Although Gail's use of leverage was a legitimate approach, it carries risks. Bob just didn't like her tactic. If Gail had used a different approach, Bob likely would have given her the raise. The next person he hired for the position started at the higher wage that Gail had wanted!
Fortunately, an online search for "how to ask for a raise" will yield plenty of expert advice about the most effective strategies for boosting your pay grade, including how and when to ask. For example, if the company you work for is struggling financially, it's not advisable to ask for more money. You can also search online job postings to see what comparable positions are paying. Know your worth in the job market and whether your wage expectation is realistic.
Factors like how long you've been in the position, your years of experience in the field, and your accomplishments in the current position will be taken into account by your employer. When you are in a strong position to ask for a raise, the answer is more likely to be "yes".
If you had a bad episode in the past when asking for a raise, learn from the experience and polish your negotiation skills. Gail went on to bigger and better jobs. She didn't allow one negative experience to reduce her sense of self worth. It is better to try for a raise - when conditions are right - and fail, than never to try at all.
Alexies - 2012-03-10 Julie,We can do what you describe and so much more. In the last week I have: 1. Watched a less qulaiqied client land an interview over more fulaiqied applicants. Yeah!2. Helped clients prepare for stress and behavior-based interviews. 3. Helped clients write thank you and follow-up letters after interviews.4. Prepared a client's referees to be interviewed by a client's prospective employer.5. Guided a client through an in-depth values analysis that will serve as a base for setting a new career direction.6. Worked on a handful of resumes.7. Helped a client weigh whether to accept or decline a job offer. I know you provide these services as well. Going it alone on Job Search 2010/11 is really tough. The people who find good guides to work with land in positions that fit them much more often than the people who go it alone. I wish that everyone could afford this resource. Choosing to gift this type of support? Priceless. And memorable. No one ever forgets the people who support them in finding in a job. DonnaDonna Svei aka AvidCareerist recently posted..
Laura at Career Link - 2012-03-07 I've never asked for a raise but have received them at past jobs. Sure feels good to receive a raise! An old boss of mine said to me once that the best employees don't ask for a raise or a promotion .... they gradually take on more responsibility and focus on achieving goals so that eventually the boss sees that they are in fact working at the next level and deserve the wage and title that go with it. To make this scenario work I would think that taking the initiative to set up regular check-ins and reviews with your boss would help them see the progress you are making in your job.
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Alexies - 2012-03-10
Julie,We can do what you describe and so much more. In the last week I have: 1. Watched a less qulaiqied client land an interview over more fulaiqied applicants. Yeah!2. Helped clients prepare for stress and behavior-based interviews. 3. Helped clients write thank you and follow-up letters after interviews.4. Prepared a client's referees to be interviewed by a client's prospective employer.5. Guided a client through an in-depth values analysis that will serve as a base for setting a new career direction.6. Worked on a handful of resumes.7. Helped a client weigh whether to accept or decline a job offer. I know you provide these services as well. Going it alone on Job Search 2010/11 is really tough. The people who find good guides to work with land in positions that fit them much more often than the people who go it alone. I wish that everyone could afford this resource. Choosing to gift this type of support? Priceless. And memorable. No one ever forgets the people who support them in finding in a job. DonnaDonna Svei aka AvidCareerist recently posted..
Laura at Career Link - 2012-03-07
I've never asked for a raise but have received them at past jobs. Sure feels good to receive a raise! An old boss of mine said to me once that the best employees don't ask for a raise or a promotion .... they gradually take on more responsibility and focus on achieving goals so that eventually the boss sees that they are in fact working at the next level and deserve the wage and title that go with it. To make this scenario work I would think that taking the initiative to set up regular check-ins and reviews with your boss would help them see the progress you are making in your job.