Getting a pay raise

Everybody wants a raise. All of us can use some extra money. But why is it that every time this subject matter is brought up it becomes a very sensitive and personal issue?

Here’s the deal. Securing a pay raise is all about knowing your worth and presenting your case. While the system for pay raises may have already been established, there will be occasions wherein you feel that a raise is timely and worth asking.

If you have delivered results and have done so excellently, and if you have decided that this is the time when you should be bold enough to go to your boss and ask for a raise, here are some do’s and don’ts that may help you. Just a little reminder before we get to that: never even consider barging in your boss’s office demanding things, because it does not work. Do not have a pity party, because it will give you a negative impression and you will be seen as un-professional.

Here are some ideas:

1. Justify why you should be given a pay raise.

Review your performance. Reread your job description. If you can present a convincing case that you have gone beyond the call of duty, have performed excellently, have taken on additional responsibilities, and have shown consistent positive results, then you have a shot at having your boss give you a pay raise.

2. Understand your value and not just your price.

Price deals with numbers, while value deals with an overall experience. Find out the industry pay scale for people whose jobs are similar to yours. There are salary surveys available out there. All you need is to ask and to look. Do not compare your pay with people from within your own company. That is a no-no. It simply means there is a leak in the payroll confidentiality structure, and you are in on the crime.

If you determine that you are already paid handsomely compared to industry standards, you need to evaluate the value the company derives from you. The reality is that you do not want to demand a pay so high that the company would be willing to replace you with someone who is willing to receive less and deliver the same value.

3. Check your timing.

I am a sincere believer in the factor of right timing. Asking for a pay raise relies on crucial timing. If the company is going through difficult times, it is NOT the time to make such a request. Monday is the start of the working week, and Friday is when your bosses are winding down looking forward to a restful weekend. Both are not good days to ask for a pay raise. Check the mood of your boss. Schedule a meeting at a time when your boss would not be saddled with too much work and can afford to give you full attention. Do not ambush your boss. Your boss hates surprises.

4. Be realistic

Try to see things from your boss’s perspective. Put your emotions in check. Listen to his or her reasons and give it some thought.

The next one is very important:

5. Maintain a cheerful countenance.

Wear a smile, and speak softly and clearly like the professional you truly are. The key to negotiating is to be confident yet have the openness to accept corrections and suggestions.

6. Learn to negotiate.

Should your boss turn down your request for a pay raise you may want to negotiate for other benefits as an alternative. Maybe a reassurance that should the company be in a position where your pay scale is evaluated, that the boss would take into consideration giving you an increase. Maybe some other perks are likewise possible.

And finally:

7. Exude passion and work harder.

You have presented your case. Now your boss is aware. You may not have gotten the raise, but now you work hard to justify why you should be given an increase soon. Work like a professional. Behave like a professional. For after all, who and what you are is the major determinant of your value that would dictate your price.

(Mark your calendars. Francis Kong will team up with renowned speaker and author Krish Dhanam on May 15 in a whole day seminar entitled Achieving Peak Performance at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. For further inquiries, contact Inspire at 09158055910 or call 632-6310912.)