How To Confidently Ask For A Pay Rise
While salary isn’t the biggest motivating factor to everyone, it certainly plays an important role to most of us. And so, ensuring that you’re being adequately rewarded for your efforts is critical to the notion of fair exchange and satisfaction at work.
Asking for a pay rise is something many simply avoid, hoping for their employer to come to them, or just shying away from what can be perceived as a difficult conversation in favor of status quo and hope. But with rising costs of living, the pressure to get this right and not turn a blind eye to potential pay increase opportunities is creeping to the forefront for many employees.
So, how can you have these conversations with confidence, and ensure that you’re doing all you can to maximise your income?
Check out these 7 steps below to find your way to confidently asking for your next pay rise…
1. It's just a conversation
Don't fear approaching this subject. Avoid looking at this as a confrontational, take or leave situation. Instead, remember that you're simply having a conversation to explore what might be possible. Your mindset is critical to a comfortable conversation
2. Organise a dedicated time
Don't catch your boss on the fly. Explain there are a few things you'd like to discuss about your career or role progression and find a mutually agreeable time, in the right setting where you know you will both operate best
3. Gather the facts
Focus on your performance and the impact you've had on the team and company since your last review. Use size and scale as best as possible to demonstrate the difference you've made. Include reference to how your job scope has grown and external salary benchmarks to show any variations in your pay versus market norms.
4. Know what you want
You have to have a clear idea on what your expectations are including where you would be willing to compromise and not, including what your bottom line or walk away point is, if there is one. Also consider; what would you be willing to trade if it can't be salary, does more flexibility work for you, more annual leave, shares etc.
5. Help them to help you
Introduce the conversation in a way that demonstrates you're curios to come together and explore what may be possible for your remuneration package. Express that you know he/she may have to digest the request and seek approval elsewhere and hence you've provided as much data as you can to help with this process.
6. Be honest (if possible)
If you have a bottom line that you'll accept then share it. But, be sure to explain your reasons why that is the case and ensure you don't come across as you're giving an ultimatum. Simply be truthful as to your rationale or reality. And express that if you can't achieve it you'd have to go back and re-assess how you can make it work.
7. Follow up
You can ask your boss when you may expect to hear back or if you truly have a need for a deadline, then share it. But ensure you explain why that time is important to you and that you respect that things may not be possible in your timeframes. If you don't hear, check in and explain you're curious to hear any update and ask if they need any more information from you.
If you consider each of these steps before asking for your next pay rise, you will find it is not something to be avoided and an instead a great opportunity to showcase your value to the organisation and simply see what can be done. If it can’t and you’re not happy with the outcome then perhaps it’s time for you to explore options elsewhere, just be sure to be clear on your real reasons for leaving and what aspects you’re going to need in your next role to be fulfilled - salary is just one factor. If you are embarking on your job search you can download my Job Search Checklist here to make sure you’re going about it in a way to maximise your efforts.
