If you want to increase your income without leaving your current position, you will need to know how to get a raise. However, it isn't always easy to approach your boss and request more money. This site offers tips and advice on how to ask for a raise, and more importantly, how to get one!
While there is never a guarantee that you will get a raise, no matter how hard you may try, there are certain things that can certainly up your odds. On this page you will learn strategies to use in your quest for an increased salary.
How to Ask for a Raise
This video offers advice on how to approach your boss to ask her or him for a raise.
Step 1: Do Your Research
How much dough is your position worth? Before you ask for a raise, you need to know how much money you can realistically expect for the work that you do. Do a bit of detective work to find out the salaries of others in your profession. If you are close enough to others in the field to ask what they earn without offending them, do so. You can also look online to find out the average salary of someone in your position. Once you have a ballpark figure of a competitive wage, you will be able to figure out an amount to request from your current employer.
Step 2: Do a Great Job
You need to go above and beyond your required duties, and show your superiors that you are skilled, motivated, and loyal. If you see that something needs to get done, do it. Don't wait to be asked. Take initiative, and demonstrate that you are on top of things. Get things taken care of, and do it well.
You will also need to make sure that your efforts don't go unnoticed. When it is appropriate, point out the things that you have done. Do not boast or gloat, but throw in a casual,"by the way, I saw that we needed such-and-such, so I went ahead and did it" during conversations with your boss.
Step 3: Go Ahead and Ask
Despite your best efforts to be a model employee, you may not be approached with an offer for a raise. It may be tough, but you will probably need to have a talk with your boss and request one.
Set up a time when there are no distractions, and you are able to have a private conversation with your boss. Point out how hard you have been working, and that you are having financial issues (if that is indeed the case). Explain that you love working for them, but really feel that you should be earning more money.
They may say yes, or they may say no. There's not much you can do after pleading your case. Even if you don't get an immediate raise, however, if you have followed the above steps you are most likely in an excellent position to receive a pay increase in the near future.
