Asking for a pay rise may seem like an awkward request in the professional world, but in our opinion, it shouldn’t be. The monetary aspect of your profession is no subject to get embarrassed over. Such an ask is normal and it is in your very right to ask for it at the least.
Don’t shy away from what you believe you deserve just because it seems intimidating and a tricky path to tread. There might be a range of ‘what ifs’ running through your head: what if it hampers your relationship with the organization? or, what if they say no? These are valid questions to think over which is why you must make a strong case and be prepared for all the what-ifs.
Here are a few ways you can make sure your ask is as good as it gets.
Making a Case
The first step is the need to evaluate the ‘what’ and the ‘why.’ You need to have a clear idea set in stone of what it is you’re looking for and why you are looking for it. We are not asking you to think about how you would use that extra money, as tempting as it sounds, but rather what amount of raise are you looking for.
Then you can start to build your case in terms of why you feel you deserve this raise. The important part of this is to get your work recognised.
Research
Once you have made your case you need to make sure your salary hike meets the market standards; this can help revise your expectations or better solidify your case. Searching for what are the salaries for your position/role in similar companies in your country will give you a good estimate.
Focus on your Organization
You know the company better than anyone on the internet so make sure you keep your company size and financials in mind before proposing your expectation. Understand your company is key here, knowing that they will be able to meet your expectation will only boost your confidence and won’t create undue disappointments.
Prepare for the Uncomfortable Subjects and Situation
Keep a confident and positive outlook, for if you don’t fully believe you deserve the pay rise then who else should? In saying that we also believe it is equally important to prepare for the more uncomfortable subjects like when they ask you to show them why or when they refuse your proposal. The first thing to do here is taking a breather and recognise that it is all part of the process.
Be prepared for when they challenge your case bringing up your weaknesses or even say no. Plan carefully how you would react, being as professional and respectful, in these situations. Be assertive but not a nuisance. When it comes to a no always get feedback on why and how in the future you would be able to change it into a yes!
Be Open and Think Big
Don’t be stuck with just that one number in your head. Be open to all possibilities of how it could go. You may not get exactly what you asked for, but don’t rule out other perks or benefits they may offer and consider them with an open mind. It doesn’t always have to be an all or nothing!
Practice your Pitch
You don’t have to be a public speaker to make a positive impact, in fact, all you need for this is practice. Treat it as an extremely important presentation and go from there. You got this!
There you have it, all you need to get that hike, and if not there is always the next time. Trying is the key to succeeding!
For help in your career contact us at contact@408consultancy.com
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