IT PAYS TO SEEK MORE

Two out of three workers have no idea how to bag a pay rise, research reveals. More than half have never negotiated on a job offer, while three out of five people haven’t received a pay rise in the last 12 to 18 months.

The survey by CV-Library shows how uncomfortable we are about discussing pay.

If you don’t take action, you’ll never get what your hard graft is really worth.

Here are our tips on how to persuade your boss to cough up a bit more salary:

■ Do some research to establish what you are worth. Knowing what other firms pay for similar roles and the wages paid within your own organisation will help strengthen your claim.

■ Make a note of why you think you are worth more – list your achievements, extra revenue you’ve brought in, additional responsibilities you’ve taken on, cost savings made or new systems you’ve launched to save time and money. Give examples of exceeding targets. ■ Book a meeting with your boss. Timing can be important here. A performance review can be an opportune moment, or at the end of the calendar or financial year when department budgets are being set.

■ Be really positive about how much you like the company and enjoy your job. Don’t go in moaning or using emotional blackmail, such as saying you can’t afford your bills.

■ Have a couple of new ideas you could head up that will increase turnover, improve productivity or boost business. ■ Ask for more than you expect to get – show you value yourself – but not too much so you come across as arrogant.