Is there anything more uncomfortable than asking for a raise? Even if your employer is handing them and if you worked hard, this issue never gets easier.
The post-COVID era makes it even more challenging as many companies had to implement salary cuts or furlough their employees. Yet, if you believe you deserve a raise, this shouldn’t discourage you.
Moreover, a 2021 survey has shown that 30 percent of respondents plan salary increases, compared to only ten percent in October 2020. Even if you don’t get a positive answer, it’s your right to ask.
Here are tips on how to go about getting a salary increase.
4 Things You Can Do To Get A Raise
1. Take The Initiative
The first step towards getting a raise is proving you deserve it. To achieve that, take the initiative and consider the future needs of your team and employer.
Think about the business requirements and how you can contribute to reaching positive outcomes. The upper management will likely see this as an indicator of self-motivation and efficacy that makes you a stellar company asset.
2. Show Your Optimism
You don’t have to be happy-go-lucky all the time but show that you have a positive attitude and love your job. Nurture close relationships with your coworkers and ensure your managers perceive you as a crucial team member with a can-do approach to work.
Moreover, if you’re an approachable person who likes to help colleagues, you’ll develop allies. That could prove beneficial if they get an opportunity to suggest you for a raise or promotion.
3. Expand Your Knowledge
Getting a raise or promotion typically means going out of your way to prove yourself. Hence, avoid saying no to tasks outside your job description.
Besides participating in activities that seem unfamiliar to you, continue learning, adopting relevant skills, and expanding your knowledge. That way, you’ll demonstrate a growth mindset and prove you can handle (almost) any task.
4. Ensure You Have Reasonable Expectations
Before setting a meeting with your boss, check how much other professionals in your industry earn and compare them to your job title and position. Arm yourself with information to ensure you have reasonable expectations and chances of getting a raise.
What To Do If You Don’t Get A Raise?
For many reasons, sometimes the answer will be no regardless of how well you elaborated on your request. That isn’t a reason to get discouraged and stop improving yourself.
The most important is to remain composed and ask your employer why you can’t get a salary increase. Perhaps the company’s budget doesn’t allow them, or you still don’t meet the necessary criteria.
Reflect on their feedback and improve the areas that require additional work. Keep a positive attitude and ensure the rejection doesn’t affect your performance or behavior, as that could ruin your chances of getting a raise the next time.
Focus on your future and establish a plan for achieving the goals and becoming an even better employee. Although the answer was no this time, next time, you could hear yes.