By Dan Simmons
Many of the blog posts in our “What Nobody is Telling You” series deal with the fact that we’re basically operating in a “new economy,” one in which the rules are different. The reason is tied to the lingering effects of the most recent recession, which have had a definite impact on both the world of employment and the recruiting and hiring processes of companies.
And they’ve also had an impact when it comes to asking for a raise.
“Cost of living” raises are no longer a sure thing. Just because the cost of living has gone up doesn’t mean your salary will, too. However, what if you believe that it should go up? Then heed the four points outlined below before walking into your boss’s office.
- Be able to prove that you deserve a raise. This means being able to prove that you contribute to the company’s bottom line and just how much you contribute. Do your research and bring relevant examples backed by hard data.
- Be specific. How much of a raise are you seeking? Five percent? Ten percent? Or would you settle for something smaller, perhaps even a performance bonus? Have alternate suggestions at the ready. The last thing you want is to seem unprepared in your quest for additional compensation.
- Timing is even more critical now. If you’re going to discuss a raise with your boss, make sure you do it after you’ve completed an important project. Or better yet, after you’ve received praise or other high marks. Strike while the iron is hot.
- Depending upon your situation, it might be more feasible for you to receive some other form of compensation, in lieu of money. This could include more vacation time, more flex time in your schedule, or the ability to work from home during certain days or select times. (This is another reason why having alternate suggestions is important.)
More than anything else, make sure that you’ve earned a raise before requesting one. Then do your homework so you can prove that you deserve a raise. And THEN follow the criteria outlined above to actually ask for one.
"What Nobody is Telling You" is an article series put on by Continental Search.
Daniel C. Simmons is a Certified Personnel Consultant who has been recruiting since 1991. Dan has won over twenty awards in the last decade with the Top Echelon Network, America’s leading placement network including Placer of the Year in 2009 & 2010.
Frequently Dan also is a recruiter trainer and has been featured at various Top Echelon Conventions and online as a speaker for various webinars. He has also been published in The Fordyce Letter the recruiting industry’s #1 magazine.
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