4 Steps to Help You Ask for the Raise You Deserve  

Do you want a raise, but are unsure how to make that happen?  Getting a raise doesn’t have to be difficult. Think about it this way: You work hard, and you contribute a lot to the company you work for. If getting more money for this work is something you deserve, it’s okay to ask for it.

There are four steps to asking for a raise:

1. Change your beliefs.
This may be the most important step, because the money you earn is directly related to the money you believe you should earn. If you believe that you are worth more, you will be. If you do not believe it, then no one else will. Ask yourself what limiting beliefs are keeping you from recognizing the value you bring to the workplace, then work to replace them with thoughts that boost your confidence.

2. Find out exactly what you are worth.
You may think you know what compensation you deserve, but do your research to confirm what salary is suitable. Unfortunately, it is not appropriate to ask colleagues what they make, so you can’t simply tell your boss, “Bill and I do the same amount of work, but he is making $150,000 a year, and I am making only $100,000. Can I have a $50,000 raise, please?”

Instead, you have to do your homework. Find out what other people in your industry who work in comparable roles earn so that you can share that information with your boss when you ask for a raise. Once you know the salary range for your position, choose the amount that you would like to earn. It’s important that you have a number in mind, because you can’t get what you want unless you know what that is.

It’s also important to have a Plan B in case your boss is unable to give you the raise you want. Ask yourself what you would accept instead. More time off? A larger bonus? The opportunity to work from home? Having the company pay for some of your commuting costs? Determine your options ahead of time so that you will be able to negotiate if a raise is not possible.

3. Gather information that justifies a raise.
Take out the job description you were given when you were first hired. If you don’t have it, make a list of the duties you were responsible for when you first came on board.  Compare what you were doing then with what you are doing now. If you are doing more, you should be getting paid more. In addition, go through your inbox and print the thank you letters or compliments you have received from co-workers, your staff, customers, or even your boss. These will show your boss that the people you work with consider the work you do to be valuable. 

4. Request a meeting with your boss.
The best way to get a meeting with your boss might be to simply ask for a meeting. Tell your boss that you want to talk to him or her about your role in the company. If your boss asks you what you want to discuss when you make your request, tell him or her that you just would like to review a few things.

If asking for a meeting directly is not possible, put yourself on your boss’s calendar. Slot half an hour and go to his or her office at the scheduled time. In the meeting, be as professional as possible. Remain upbeat and optimistic, regardless of the discussion, but go in expecting to get a raise. Your intentions make a difference; why would your boss give you a raise if you don’t expect to receive one? If you do not think that you can have this conversation without becoming angry, wait to schedule the meeting until after you have had time to work with someone like a career coach to roleplay the discussion so that you can remain positive regardless of the meeting’s outcome.

Your goal is to leave this meeting with an answer or an appointment to discuss this matter further. If your boss tells you that he or she will get back to you, continue to make appointments and follow up. If, after six months or so, you find that you are not making progress, you may want to consider looking for work with a company that will value you and your contributions. But remember, salary is only one aspect of your career. Weigh the other benefits and perks of your position before making a decision based on money alone.