Thinking of Demanding a Raise — Prepare For It First

Your employers are not increasing your pay even though you are doing a job that deserves more? Maybe it’s time that you stand for yourself and demand for a raise. However, what could be the probable reaction when you put that question to the Human Resources Department? Do you think that you have valid and very credible reasons to really prove your point? What if they say “no”?

Asking for a right compensation for the job you are currently involved in is not a bad idea, unless you are taking the wrong approach. Having the conversation is always a tough task. Demanding your boss for more money is like giving him another reason why he should resent you. However, there is a way how you can get through with this entire situation pretty smoothly.

Preparation is the key to every success. Go for the following three-step approach to ensure a positive response:

Step 1: Understand the Psychology first

It is much easier if you start with the list of things you shouldn’t do or say during the negotiation. There is a difference between how others see and how you see yourself. For starters, never say that:

• I’m working more than anyone – Highlighting your work and accomplishments while trying to whine about how you have not been paid accordingly means you are trying to be both, self-serving and vulnerable.
• I want a raise because I have completed a year or two now – Unless you have proved yourself, it doesn’t matter how long you have stayed with the company. Being in a position for a certain amount of time doesn’t qualify you as an expert, performance does. Therefore, unless you don’t have that under your belt, the amount of years you have given to your company has no bearing.

Step 2: Identify the risks involved in asking for a raise

• Harmful for your career – While negotiating a raise is not wrong, you have to understand that the timing needs to be perfect. For instance, if you are asking for a raise during a recession period or when the economy is down, there won’t be any, plus you will be walking out when there is most certainly a job crisis.
• You might humiliate yourself – A bad approach and you risk humiliating yourself.
• Hurting your co-workers – You could be a part of the team. Leaving a particular job in the middle will be like throwing your co-workers under the bus.

Step 3: Ask for a Raise

To ensure that your manager says yes to your request, here are a few final things to take care:

• Create a layout of some of your unique contributions
• Choose the right moment
• Be careful with your words and speak very confidently
• Avoid giving ultimatums

All you have to do is make them understand how you are making their lives better while never showing any kind of negativity whatsoever. Follow all this and your chances of getting a raise will be comparatively better.