7 Ways to Get a Raise
How to prove you deserve a raise — 7 ways to show them you’re worth it.
If you want to know how to get a raise without working for it then this is not the article for you. This article is going to talk about how you can actually prove that you deserve a raise. The first step is obviously asking for it but what do you have to back yourself up? Well, attitude, your demanour and many other things are taken into account. At the end of the day your boss has to like you, it is important that you show various characteristics and act a certain way over time so that people know you as a certain type of person. There’s no use being best pals with the boss if you can’t deliver as well, so what can you really do to show that you deserve it?
#1 Take Initiative and be Proactive
First thing you can do is take initiative and be proactive. Employers like to see that you want to make things happen and don’t be afraid to suggest alternative ways of doing things. The only caveat to that is you need to be prepared to justify yourself and explain why you think it is better. Don’t wait to be told, if you think something needs to be done or you anticipate it, go ahead and do it as long as it is a small task. If it’s a big task, ALWAYS bring it up with your boss and ask if they would like it done. Clear it with them first. By doing so however, it still shows initiative.
#2 Train yourself to be positive
Positivity is so important. That is called a can-do attitude. By being positive, people like you. When you are kind to your colleagues, you are essentially creating allies that can vouch for you if and when you are considered for a promotion or raise. Also, imagine this, your boss asks you to scan in 1000 pages of documents. If you scowl at the task and do it reluctantly, that just isn’t great. That is not to say you should be quietly obedient. Instead, suggest delegating if you have someone else in mind or think of another more efficient way to do the task.
#3 Be Enthusiastic
The next tip on the list is related to being positive but this is about learning. Show enthusiasm to learn new things. This benefits you in the long run and you may discover a hidden skill but also, your employer will see that you are enthusiastic, like to engage in things not just in your job description and it just contributes to a positive attitude.
#4 Keep Your Enemies, Well… Not Really, But Keep Your Superiors Close
Stay close to your boss. Keep them close to you, try to think of ways, without being annoying, to approach them and ask them for honest advice or their opinions on things. If you are seeing them often, you will be in the forefront of their memory and you’ll be first for a raise. You need them on your side because they are the ones that will be giving you the raise or at least putting in a request for you. The most important person you need on your side is your boss or direct line manager. You might never be friends with someone like them but just do so for the sake of the work day, then you can go home and trash talk them all you want if that’s how you feel.
#5 Be Patient, But Not Too Patient
With all that mentioned, make sure you are patient. It may take some time to receive a pay increase, even after you have asked for a raise and have put in the work to demonstrate your value. Remember to practice patience as your boss considers your request. After all, they may need to get approval from others before they can make an official decision.
Having said that, make sure you know where to draw the line. If your boss keeps promising you they will review your pay and it’s been months and months then maybe it’s time to leave since they clearly don’t value you.
#6 Timing Is Everything
TIMING. Not only should you time the act of asking for a raise but I can not emphasies the importance of planning and timing. For example, you may ask for a raise after a successful company audit or after you’ve completed a successful project. There is no point asking for a raise when you know there will be a pay or recruitment freeze or if you have yet to prove yourself and it’s the beginning of a big project. Wait until you’ve proven yourself.
#7 Demonstrate Value, Show Them You’re Worth It
Demonstrate value. At the end of the day, you need to let your results speak for themselves. It is more about doing than saying. Document everything and make sure you keep track of ways you’ve added value. DO it before you forget. This is not for you to list to your boss but there may be things that aren’t in your job description and shows you have gone above and beyond.
This may be helpful for the performance appraisal. When you’re asking for the raise you’ll undoubtedly have to demonstrate what you have done to contribute to the company that is above and beyond the job description or at least deserving of a raise. By keeping tabs as you go you can make sure you don’t miss a thing.
I hope these tips can help you get a raise, it’s not about blackmail, a good script or getting a gift for your boss, it is about being genuine, showing that you actually care about your job and making sure your boss knows it. At the very least act like you are genuine (oxymoron I know). That way you will deserve a raise naturally.
As the popular saying goes (from comedian Steve Martin), “be so good they can’t ignore you”.
