What are you worth?
Follow these tips to negotiate — and get — a salary increase
Discussing salaries and pay scales is taboo in most workplaces, at least when it comes to comparing notes with co-workers.
That taboo doesn’t extend to conversations between employees and their managers, but there is a right time and place to discuss a desire for a higher pay scale.
Addressing compensation makes many workers uncomfortable, regardless of their gender. According to a salary survey from PayScale, almost 60 percent of male and female workers do not ask for a raise. Negotiating salary increases requires finesse, timing and being informed. It also requires a certain measure of gumption. Here’s how men and women can get the pay they deserve.
Time it right.
Many workers wait until they’ve become unsatisfied with their jobs to try to negotiate a raise, likely thinking that the higher salary will justify the stress or unhappiness they associate with their work. But workers may find it easier to discuss salary when they are happy and satisfied at work. Employers may sense your enthusiasm, and you’ll be more likely to focus on the positive rather than the negative aspects fueling your request.
Give yourself a confidence boost.
Going into negotiations feeling grateful to accept anything is the wrong tactic. Sell your skills to yourself first before you share them with a boss. Make a list of why you deserve a raise; then back up those points with relevant examples. Include past successful projects, your developing skill set, software experience, education, training and anything else that boosts your resume.
Know your worth in advance.
Before sitting down with your supervisor, take time to do a little research. Look for advertised positions in your geographic area that are similar to yours to determine the mean salary for your job, and request a salary that’s in line with the going rate for your position.
Don’t share why you want the raise.
When discussing a potential raise, keep it about business and avoid personal reasons. You’re more likely to get the raise if you keep personal reasons (i.e. bills piling up, school expenses, family vacations) out of the mix. Maintain your professionalism during the discussion. Otherwise, you may risk losing your boss’s respect.
Bring convincing materials.
Have your “proof” in writing or in substantiated documents. You’ll need to be as confident as possible, and having the right information on hand can help seal the deal. Double- or triple-check your information before the meeting.
Negotiating a pay raise can be nerve-wracking, but men and women should not hesitate to ask for compensation commensurate with their experience.