Few ways to help you get the raise you deserve

Mounting frustration and reluctance interjected with the odd burst of determination to ask for a raise. You may have been a steady performer, whizzing past every deadline and taking on added responsibility with relative ease. The catch, however, is that your pay packet hardly goes with your performance and it’s hardly any consolation.

Walking into the boss’s cabin and asking for a raise can be downright intimidating. However, to have relative satisfaction in your job, you need to have a salary that makes you feel good, you need to muster up the courage to pop the question.

A few ways to help you get the raise you deserve.

Strong conviction

You need to be fully convinced that you deserve a raise. Only then can you boldly give it a try. Don’t get all psyched-up imagining that you could be fired. “The threat of being fired for wanting more is just an emotional bluff”, says Anita Merugu of careercommunity.com. Ask for it!

It is only when you ask for a raise can you expect to receive one. No boss will remind you that you deserve a raise when it is not appraisal time and serve it to you on a platter. Be ready for a pleasant surprise- your boss may feel that you deserve a raise too.

Track record

List all that qualifies you for the raise. A new degree perhaps, an added responsibility on your job description or a fresh success can be good reasons. This list will come handy in case you are asked for an explanation.

Forewarned is forearmed

You may have to consider the objections that your boss can come up with “it is not appraisal times”, or “we are not making enough money” or “hikes are just not on our agenda at the moment”. Have a proper defence ready for such questions so that you are not caught off guard. Fix up an appointment with your boss before you broach the subject.

Market value check

If your organisation is hiring people for similar jobs at a higher salary, or you are getting less than what the average employee in your company makes, it’s time you ask for a raise.

The best way to get a raise is to be a consistent performer. Ideally, if the company is doing well financially and you have a good track record, you shouldn’t be turned down. Let your work speak for you, and don’t leave in a huff if you are turned down. Hang in there for a while, work on your shortcomings and you’ll never know how far a little patience can take you!