Meeting with my boss tomorrow: Asking for a Raise

powerss

So, I'm asking my boss for a raise. Any general tips? Do I need evidence that I qualify? etc etc

Qorzm

What type of job is it, how long have you been working there, what do you make now, what do you want to make?

Wezoin

Although I've never tried this before, I'd expect pointing out why you deserve a raise due to what you give to the company would be much more effective than saying something like "My kids are growing up and wanting to go out more so extra money plz." Even better if you had something like, "I want to go to night school for ___________, a raise will help make it possible, it'll really help me do a better job here at work." Bassically, show them why what you bring to the company is worth the extra money, and if possible how giving you extra money will benefit them even more.

inert

I think the most convincing request for a raise I've ever gotten from one of my guys was when he approached me and asked to talk to me about it. He gave me details on all of his advancements and accomplishments, he was cool and confident about it, and didnt beat around the bush. I gave him a dollar/hr raise.

Basically, before you even sit down, immediately thank her/him for their time first and foremost (this shows respect), then start right in. Just say that you have gotten a, b, c and d (and so forth) accomplished since you've been there, and you feel like you've been a positive influence on the direction of the company (or something to that effect). Go into detail, dont shirk or sell yourself short on anything. You may think you sound kind of like a dick, but doing this will not only show your confidence, it will also your attention to your professional goals (which is a REALLY big hardon point for lots of managers/company owners).

Practice a bit beforehand if you need to, preparedness never hurt anyone.

Be cool, be confident, be cordial. Dont rush the conversation, because she/he will have questions to ask or input to give, but keep a good pace.

Good luck.

EDIT - Your manager may or may not ask how much of a raise you think you deserve, so I would get a good idea of what you think fits your performance. A whole dollar is on the really high side (from what I've seen...also keep in mind some companies go by a % increase, not a dollar/cent amount). I gave it to my employee because that's what he asked for, and since he is pretty outstanding on all fronts, that's what I gave him.

ryuprecht

inert wrote: »

I think the most convincing request for a raise I've ever gotten from one of my guys was when he approached me and asked to talk to me about it. He gave me details on all of his advancements and accomplishments, he was cool and confident about it, and didnt beat around the bush. I gave him a dollar/hr raise.

Basically, before you even sit down, immediately thank her/him for their time first and foremost (this shows respect), then start right in. Just say that you have gotten a, b, c and d (and so forth) accomplished since you've been there, and you feel like you've been a positive influence on the direction of the company (or something to that effect). Go into detail, dont shirk or sell yourself short on anything. You may think you sound kind of like a dick, but doing this will not only show your confidence, it will also your attention to your professional goals (which is a REALLY big hardon point for lots of managers/company owners).

Practice a bit beforehand if you need to, preparedness never hurt anyone.

Be cool, be confident, be cordial. Dont rush the conversation, because she/he will have questions to ask or input to give, but keep a good pace.

Good luck.

EDIT - Your manager may or may not ask how much of a raise you think you deserve, so I would get a good idea of what you think fits your performance. A whole dollar is on the really high side (from what I've seen...also keep in mind some companies go by a % increase, not a dollar/cent amount). I gave it to my employee because that's what he asked for, and since he is pretty outstanding on all fronts, that's what I gave him.

The big thing I see in here is: get straight to the point. When you ask to have a meeting, let your boss know it's about your salary. Don't blindside him/her. Don't beat around the bush. Make sure your argument is about your qualifications and what you are worth to the company, not how badly you need it for personal reasons.

If your boss asks for time to think about it, or says no outright, thank him/her for the opportunity and leave graciously. Don't make threats or beg, because the impression of how you take bad news is almost impossible for a boss to get over. Hell, I've told people I want to promote "no", just so I can see how they manage themselves. If they whine, cry, argue, or get mad, I have now seen this first hand. If they are gracious and ask how they can improve, they have their head on straight and I can change my mind.

Ganluan

I did this a few months ago. I have a good relationship with my boss, so I knew I could get straight to the point. I basically went in there and said "I don't think my current salary is fair based on my experience and education". I explained what my goals were at the company and why I wanted to elevate myself there, not just monetarily but responsibility wise as well.

Got a $6k/year raise the next day.

CyberJackal

Any "evidence" you can produce would be helpful. Solid numbers are great, if you can get them (and they're accurate). ie "My work on project X has improved customer satisfaction by 12%, etc etc."

Six

Lots of good info so far.

The main thing you need to keep in mind is that by asking for a raise you're saying, "I'm underpaid," and you need to justify that objectively. Give your boss the ammunition she needs to get the raise for you. Just saying "I'd like more money" without giving any objective reasoning isn't going to accomplish much.

an_alt

I completely agree with inert on how to present your case, but I'd just like to add one thing. Let him know not just what you've done, but how you'll be helping the company/department make money/save money/avoid headaches in the future.

That also got me $6k/ year on the spot and written confirmation of much more when sales hit a certain number. My job has nothing to do with sales, btw.