Before you ask your boss for a raise…
Today the job market is hot. Unemployment is down. Compensation is up. Given these conditions you may find yourself thinking there could not be a better time to ask for a pay raise. You’re probably right.
However, regardless of employment market conditions, raises are given to those who earned them and are qualified for them. Think before you ask. If you want your employer to “Show you the money,” not the door, follow this simple two-step process.
Part I: Internal Assessment: Your contribution to the bottom line
Ask yourself, “Have I…”
- Contributed to the company’s bottom line in a measurable way? Examples….
- Exceeding sales quarterly expectations.
- Implementing a plan that increased revenue or reduced expenses.
- Developing processes that improved customer relations and retention.
- Gone above and beyond the call of duty in a meaningful way?
List the responsibilities you’ve taken on that are not in your job description.
NOTE: Longer hours are not necessarily going above and beyond unless the hours were spent on projects not currently part of your job description or result in contributing to the company’s bottom line. Do not confuse activity with focused productivity.
If you answered “No” to either or both questions, it’s too soon to be asking for a raise. Create a written game plan and a task list for the next month or however long it takes to demonstrate your worth before you proceed to the next phase.
If you answered “Yes” to both questions, congratulations! You’re well on your way but you still have some work to do.
Part II: External Assessment: Recognition and market assessment
Research…. How is your performance viewed? How does your compensation compare to your peers in other companies?
- Capture the ways you’ve been recognized by your boss and higher-ups for a job well done such as awards, company newsletters, social media mentions or possibly employee evaluations or email messages noting your accomplishments.
- Do your research on compensation. Check out GlassDoor.com and PayScale.com or similar sites to find out what others in your field with similar skills, education and years of experience are being paid in your region. Having these numbers in hand is essential to building your case and fighting for a fatter paycheck.
Congrats! You are now “Pay-Raise Ready”.
How and when do you ask for a raise? Stay tuned for our next blog
“ Your complete guide for getting the raise you deserve.”
The more they applaud, the bigger your salary will be.
~ Anna Held
Pay raise? Are you ready?
Connie Dorigan, Founder and Director of Recruiting, sees the food processing industry as the link between good living and good people. She’s the west coast’s most experienced and trusted food processing recruiter. She also provides Executive and Career Coaching and lots of free job search tools. Once you’ve connected with Connie, you’ll always be connected.
© 2018 Connie Dorigan. All rights reserved.
This is a general interest article and does not constitute specific or legal advice.
