-
-
Asking for a raise can be difficult at the best of times, and becomes even more so during times of economic crisis. However, if you know that you deserve or have been promised a pay increase, you should not let a recession stop you from making the request. This guide on how to ask for a raise during a recession will provide you with strategies to help increase the likelihood that your boss will grant your proposal.
-
Featured
From BNET, career coach Bobbie LaPorte talks about how you can ask for a raise during the recession—emphasize how you have helped productivity and efficiency in the company.
-
Introduction
- Recessions are truly difficult times for both employers and employees. Although it is not an ideal time to ask for a raise, if you can demonstrate to your employer that you are worth a bit of extra money, it may be well worth your time to do so. As long as you are well prepared and present a solid case in a diplomatic and professional manner, your employer may reward your efforts with the pay increase you deserve, despite prevailing economic conditions.
Step 1: Know Your Worth
- Do some background research into what others in your industry with similar positions are earning. If their wages are significantly higher than your current salary, collect and collate some figures and/or a case study to present to your employer as evidence that you deserve a raise. If you have not received a raise in a substantial amount of time, or were promised one in previous communications, remind your employer of this fact.
Step 2: Prove Your Worth
- Reflect on your job history. Create a list of your professional assets and provide examples of specific things you have done to save the company money or increase its revenue. If you have documentation, such as emails, letters or performance reviews in which your co-workers or supervisors have praised you, present them to your employer as further evidence of your worth.
Step 3: Look to the Future
- If there are specific problems your company is experiencing or is likely to experience in the near future, identify them and think of possible solutions. Present your employer with specific examples of what you will do to resolve these issues and how you will continue to benefit your company in the future.
Step 4: Practice
- Once you have collected evidence that proves you are worthy of a raise, practice how exactly you will make your request. Although you don't necessarily have to write a speech, plan out what you will say to your boss to convince him or her to give you a raise. Ask a trusted colleague, friend, or family member to listen to your presentation and provide feedback on how it could be improved.
Step 5: Consider Alternatives
- Value need not always be strictly monetary. If it works for you, consider alternatives to a raise that could also prove beneficial. If your employer says that the company simply can't increase your wage, you can request improved benefits, stock options, more holidays, or another reward for your hard work.
Step 6: Find the Right Time
- Timing is everything. If you present your appeal directly after your boss has received some bad news, he or she will be less receptive to your request and more apt to say no. Observe your boss's habits and select a time when he or she will likely be attentive and receptive to your presentation. If you are likely to make a big sale or complete a valuable project in the near future, wait until after you have done so to ask for a raise, as your success will be fresh in your boss's memory.
Step 7: Don't Take "No" for an Answer
- If your request for a raise is denied, whether it's with a flat out "no" or an "I'll get back to you," inform your employer that you will follow up on the request after a reasonable amount of time has passed, and then be sure to do so. Although you should avoid nagging, prove to your employer that you are determined to persevere and follow through with your inquiry.
Conclusion
- There is no denying that a recession is not the ideal time to ask for a pay increase. However, if you are confident that you deserve a raise and can effectively prove your value to your employer, the chances that he or she will reward you accordingly will be significantly increased.
About this page
-
Page Views292
This page currently has no vertical manager.
Featured Pages
