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First, ask friends
in similar positions, companies, and industries what the market
is paying. Check The American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries, by
Wright and Dwyer (Avon Books). Ask your Compensation Specialist
for tips. Question those in your department who've gotten raises.
What did they say to the boss? How did he react? How did they
time it? How big an increase did they request?
Notice how well
your department (and company) is doing. Is your manager complaining
about cutbacks? Right timing is essential. Don't suggest a raise
when business is down. Prepare a statement of major accomplishments.
List your results, achievements, and home runs. Give specific
examples with percentages, numbers, facts and figures. Make before-and-after
comparisons. Write your goals for next quarter. Rather than explaining
your need for a raise as a personal issue (my husband lost his
job), present it in a business framework. Explain how others
with similar responsibilities are paid (show industry research).
And show your accomplishments and goals.
Never present
your request for a raise as a demand or threat. That makes you
an adversary. Instead, take a questioning approach supported
with written facts. You could say: "I've accomplished more
than expected (show accomplishments), and I plan to do even more
next quarter (show goals). How do you think the company would
feel about paying X-dollars per month (indicating the raise)?
That's what others in similar positions are making these days
(show market research).
Last of all,
wait until your manager is on a personal high. People feeling
great are more likely to say yes. Don't expect a decision overnight.
Give the boss your ideas, then give him time to think. Chances
are, if you've really been producing more than expected, your
manager can justify a raise.
Copyright
1998 William S. Frank All Rights Reserved |