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Viewpoint
Ask, and you er…might get
Haven't received that raise yet? It's all in the approach.
Express Hospitality tells you how to plan, ask for and get a raise
Asking for a raise is as nerve racking as professional experiences come. However,
it's also a negotiation that everyone must endure at some point with an employer.
Before we delve any deeper into the process, let's first settle on one highly
likely and somewhat surprising variable: the majority of the time, no 99.9 per
cent of the time, you have to ask for a raise in order to receive one. So, if
you haven't rolled up your sleeves, done the research on median salary ranges
for your position and taken proactive measures, then it's not likely you're
going to see your paycheck increase.
But we know it's not that easy. Asking for a raise is one of those meetings
where walking in confident and determined strides is likely going to be the
most crucial factor in determining the outcome. Let's get something straight.
We're not talking about those automatic, one or two per cent raises that the
HR department rewards you after you've put in four years in the company. We're
talking about a real raise, one that you deserve for recent accomplishments
and surpassing the expectations set by the management.
Following are some simple things to help you strategise your game plan for getting
that well-deserved raise.
Timing
Timing is everything. Like all negotiations, timing can mean a seal in the deal,
or blowing your spiel. Make sure you've carefully reviewed the company's financial
situation and the appropriateness in timing when asking for a raise. If the
company is in hard times, the last thing management needs is a request in raise,
even if you're department goals are being met. Also, make sure to ask for a
raise when you have just had a major success. Your charm may be a weapon, but
your performance should act as ammunition.
Research
Do your research, know what your worth in the current marketplace is. What's
the average median salary that people in your field and position are earning
within your area? Know this number and demonstrate to your manager that you
are not average. And be realistic. Don't ask for a salary outside the range
of your position because you're highly unlikely to receive it.
Flexibility
Be flexible. Never go into any meeting with the narrow mind of having an ultimatum,
unless you're prepared to deal with the consequences of having that approach,
i.e. a better job offer. Have an open mind to other possibilities if the raise
you have in mind doesn't seem to be in the horizon. If the company's budget
is too tight, consider asking for other perks they can offer.
Need v/s deserve
Know the difference between the two. Focus on the positive. Don't focus on the
raise that you need for whatever reason, be it a lifestyle change such as having
another child. Rather, focus on the why you deserve it and convincing management
of this key point.
In order to get your raise and get an amount you're comfortable with, you'll
need to demonstrate your value, accomplishments and contributions to your department
and your organisation. Don't assume that your work speaks for itself - get material
to support your claims when asking for a raise, such as a spreadsheet with all
of your accomplishments. To sum up, know what the market is, where your company
is, what you're asking for and why you deserve it. If you can effectively communicate
this knowledge, your chances at success will have already increased tenfold.
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