how to ask for a raise

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mooks

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Exactly as the title says. How do I ask my boss for a raise?

My reasons for doing so are twofold : on the one hand my responsibilities have more than double (both in workload and seniority) in the last 8mnths. Also, my personal circumstances have changed quite dramatically and I find myself with new financial responsibilities. In an ideal world I would wait a while longer between promotion and salary negotiations (because the promotion was initially supposed to be a training period but it was made permanent earlier than anticipated due to some staff changes), but given my personal developments, I'm gonna have to ask now.

My question: on a very practical level, what do I say? "I feel my performance and tasks justify an increase" ? "I'd like more money"? "Pay me properly you corporate miser" ? Do I do it in writing first and then face to face? Do I mention my personal circumstances have changed?

I'd also like to make it known that I really like my job and I'm incredibly grateful for the faith they've put in me by allowing me to progress so quickly. How do I do that without it sounding canned or like a ploy to curry favour?

I'm not afraid of confrontation in a professional environment but I've never had to ask for more before ...
 
I would say as a starting point search the market to see what people with similar qualification, experience and responsibilities are getting paid for your line of work. If you are getting paid less than average, you have every right to have the discussion without having to feel you are being arrogant.

Reasons for a raise are increase in responsibility, workload and productivity. You must just be able to back it up. I think personal change in financial/family responsibilities is also valid motive but the increase should also be backed by the above.

I have never asked for a raise before, and I'm a bit of a ***** when it comes to that. In my line of work productivity is directly translated to fee income so it is relatively easy to measure (in theory) but on the flipside also difficult when fees are not looking good because of factors beyond your control.
 
I wish I could negotiate my salary but my school's Governing Body will just say that our income is fixed so our expenditures must also be fixed.
 
Picard said:
I wish I could negotiate my salary but my school's Governing Body will just say that our income is fixed so our expenditures must also be fixed.
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I wish I could get a couple of months per year of paid leave and work in a pretty relaxed environment, but we don't always get what we want.
 
Mention this exactly as you told us >>>>
mooks said:
on the one hand my responsibilities have more than double (both in workload and seniority) in the last 8mnths.
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What is your relationship with your boss?
 
I asked for a salary review a year ago and still haven't been given a reply from the top management...my work load and responsibilities have tripled since I started at my job...I don't really know what else to do to get some attention to my plight other than threatening to find something else...( dont want to do that because I love the co I work for). The manager of our branch and my direct superior both agreed that I should get a salary review but nothing has come of it. Will be watching this thread!
 
The changes in responsibilities, seniority and workload are all valid reasons for an increase..

Changes in personal financial circumstances are not.

You approach it by asking for an increase commensurate with your larger responsibilities and seniority within the organisation. Mention nothing about your personal financial circumstances.
 
Find another job, I never ask for increases and yet have enjoyed good increases ( well above average) year on year. If an employer does not appreciate me, I find one that does. Pretty much as simple as that.
 
Dolby said:
Mention this exactly as you told us >>>>

What is your relationship with your boss?
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I have a really good relationship with him. I know that he respects both my skills on the job and my work ethic - he has said as much in non formal evaluations. My concern is that I know a) the HR budgets in our team are quite fixed and b) like many european corporates, there is an unofficial salary freeze. So, however I approach it, I have to be quite tactful.

The reason I got pushed into my current role earlier than planned is because one of the team members has called in on indefinite stress leave - while legally they cant fire her, her pay will be covered by state benefits as opposed to company pay roll. So, her salary is not being used as far as the budget is concerned. Although I cant expect to be paid to her salary scale (she has been with them for almost 10yrs), I know that there is (as a result of her leave) some flexibilty in this years budget to swing it my way IF I ask properly. I'd like to suggest that they structure the salary as though I'm on secondment to her position in her absence. That way no additional allocations need to be made in the 2013 budget. That can all then be reviewed in 2014 when she is expected to come back.

EDIT: this makes me sound like such a vulture, swooping in on her misfortune - but I really didnt plan it this way :(
 
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Generally workload is actually not a good excuse for a raise - if you're managing to do MORE of the same thing - it means you weren't working to capacity previously. Rather try show how the complexities of your job have changed. Would someone with the same base skill as you had be able to do what you do now? If not you have cause to request an increase - if not you probably won't

Secondly I agree - leave personal responsibilities out of the discussion.
 
Hold Boss' SO, relatives or close friends hostage and take it from there.
Be threatning. Like in good way.
Let us know how it goes - perhaps have us stream in to watch how it goes down.
Rooting for ya ! :)
 
It sounds like you have figured most of it out, just go in with a positive non threatening attitude(don’t tell them you will quit if you don’t get it) and have an honest discussion.

If they can afford it and think you deserve it they will make a plan and there is no need to feel like a vulture if you have more responsibilities you deserve to be compensated for it.

If that fails tell your boss your circumstances forces you to seek alternative employment which you regret because you really enjoy the work environment.

Also never be afraid to look at other opportunities you need to constantly review your career.
 
ToxicBunny said:
The changes in responsibilities, seniority and workload are all valid reasons for an increase..

Changes in personal financial circumstances are not.

You approach it by asking for an increase commensurate with your larger responsibilities and seniority within the organisation. Mention nothing about your personal financial circumstances.
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As TB says.

It is not your boss's problems as to what happens at home. Though that may seem harsh, reality expects us to live within our means.
 
I have a fairly open relationship with my boss so if I wanted a raise I would just ask. If he said no I would apply for some higher paying jobs and leave. Simple as that. Fortunately the company I work at is fairly good at paying just above market related salaries and have a few times given my massive out of cycle raises when I needed adjustment upwards.
 
Cool E said:
Give ur boss letter of resignation, he will raise your salary within an hour.
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Ahhhh the joys of people who have no idea about the real world..

Very few companies will give you a raise if you resign, the majority will just let you leave and replace you with someone cheaper.
 
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