Getting The Raise You Deserve

Many people ask for a raise without having done theirBe Realistic- No matter how good you are, or how
homework. Asking for a raise is more of an art, whereunderpaid you are at the moment, you should never
you have to show your skills, your value to theask for a very large increase. The reason for this
company and have good negotiating power.stems from the fact that employers look at raise as a
Timing is a very important factor when asking for apercentage increase in your salary, and there are limits.
raise. There's no point in asking for a raise when theAsking for too high a figure compared with your
company is in financial trouble and trying to cut costs.current salary is not realistic. It is better to consider
Another important factor to be considered is that theseveral small increases. If you feel that you are way
raise should be in line with what you deserve, coupledunderpaid, perhaps you should consider looking for
with job market conditions and company policies.another job.
You should understand that if you are doing a goodShow what you deserve rather than what you need-
job, you boss is expecting you to ask for a raise atYour raised expectations should be in the line with the
some point. However, you will need to prove that youvalue that you bring to the organization, and your
are worthy of the raise that you are expecting.accomplishments - not on your needs. Your needs are
Here are few tips to follow when asking a raise.personal and things that you have to manage; they are
Planning- You need to plan your approach. Set up annot your employer's problem.
appointment with your boss to ask for a raise, asDemonstrate accomplishments, and your Contributions-
opposed to just walking in and announcing that youWhen going to the meeting, you should have proof of
want one.your good work, ways that you have helped save
Know Your Worth- Do your homework - do thecompany money, as well as your accomplishments.
necessary research to find out how much you canYou can have these in a spreadsheet format that will
expect to get paid, depending on your position,systematically point out to your boss how valuable you
experience and industry. This will help you arrive at aare to the company.
figure to further negotiations. You can use variousAsking for a raise can be daunting, but the fact is that
salary calculators on the internet to find out your trueyou may not get one unless you ask.
worth in the job market.