In the business world, it’s common for people to feel like their loyalty and work for a company should be adequately compensated. However, feeling like you should get a raise and actually securing that raise are two very different things. In our culture, talking about money can be very taboo, even in a professional setting. Knowing this, most people want to come to the table well prepared for a positive exchange between this boss. So to help make this more likely, here are three ways to increase your chances of getting a raise.
Make Your Value Clear
To get a raise, you have to prove to your supervisor that you’re worthy of a raise. To effectively do this, it’s vital that you make your value clear to those around you in leadership positions. According to the Forbes Coaches Council, this doesn’t necessarily mean putting in more hours than your co-workers. It could also mean getting additional education that helps you in your job or that you’re a more effective or efficient employee than you were the last time you were given an evaluation or a raise. While it might feel like tooting your own horn, it’s crucial that your boss sees just how valuable you are if you want him or her to even consider giving you a raise.
Be A Better Team Player
Not only can being a good employee on your own help to increase your chances of being approved for a raise, but the impact you have on the company as a whole can also be a contributing factor. According to Amy Elisa Jackson, a contributor to GlassDoor.com, if you’re a good team player and can help to motivate and encourage other employees to be their best self, this can also be of great value to your employer. If this isn’t something that you’ve previously considered, try to think about how you interact with those around you and either help or hurt their ability to get their work done. If you find you’re hurting more than helping, you may want to adjust some of your habits and become more of a team player before you ask for that raise.
Consider Your Timing
Once you feel like you’ve got what it takes to ask for a raise, it’s now about finding the right time to have the conversation. According to Anna Robaton, a contributor to CBS News, you want to find a time where the company you work for is succeeding. If you choose to talk to your boss about a raise when your profits have been slipping, you might get turned down simply because the business doesn’t have the money to spare. But if things are looking good for your company, consider speaking briefly to your boss about setting a time to talk about compensation. This will allow your boss to figure out how much the company can afford to give you in a raise and take care of something the administrative side before you actually have the conversation regarding an increase in your salary.
If you think you deserve a raise, consider using the tips mentioned above to ensure you get the increase you’re looking for.