How to Ask Your Boss for a Raise

If you feel that you are being undervalued at your job and not being paid what you deserve, then it is probably a good time to ask your boss for a raise. Remember that this is not an easy matter, and your prime focus should be to convince your boss that you have performed well in your job so far and have proved yourself to be of immense value to the organization. Additionally, it would also help if you can show your boss that your presence is vital in the organization, and that if you are not satisfied monetarily, you could take your services elsewhere.

But, this process needs to be handled with sensitivity and a fair amount of tact from your side as well. Demanding a pay raise when you have not earned it can lead to dire consequences, and could even lead to you losing your job, so be very cautious in your approach.

When to Ask Your Boss for a Raise

The endeavor obviously makes sense at a time when the company is doing well. If you approach your boss when there is a recession in the economy, or when the company is experiencing sustained losses, you will be firmly turned away. Thus, picking the right time is absolutely essential. Moreover, you should approach your boss when he is seemingly in a jovial and cheerful mood. If he is upset with someone (especially you) do not approach him for a raise under any circumstances.

You need to tell your boss all the things that you have accomplished so far, and give him a firm reason for why you believe you deserve a raise. Maybe you have not received a raise for quite some time, maybe you have a new family to support, maybe you recently brought in some serious business, or maybe your colleagues have jumped far ahead of you in the pay scale. Whatever the reason may be, you need to be honest and upfront about it with your boss and lay out the reasons clearly. Do not simply waltz it and demand a raise when it is not deserved or earned.

How to Persuade Your Boss for a Raise

The best way to persuade your boss is to complete all your work and do it well, to be on time and to take extra efforts to please him inside or outside the office. The fact of the matter is that you need to be on good terms with your boss, and this is a relationship that you need to constantly work upon. Being in his bad books is going to do you no good at all, so pay attention to this facet.

When you are actually discussing the raise with him, do not make unreasonable demands. Your salary cannot get doubled or tripled overnight, so be careful what you ask for. You do not want to come across as greedy, so ask for a raise that you feel your talents deserve. Do not go over the top with your demands, and do not threaten to quit if your demands are not met. You need to communicate the fact that you are looking around for opportunities if your expectations are not met, but you would prefer to continue with the current job if your needs are met. This is something that needs to be done subtly. As already mentioned, this is not everyone's cup of tea, so maybe you can consider getting a union rep to speak on your behalf as well. If your demands are met, thank your boss graciously and promise him that he will not regret his decision, and that you will continue to meet the high standards that have already been set by you and even surpass them in the future.

So, with all this being said, here are some rules to keep in mind when you are asking your boss for a raise.

• Pick a good time to speak to your boss. This implies a good time to speak to him personally, and a good moment for the company as well.
• Do not make unrealistic demands. Be reasonable, but do not over-compromise either.
• Do not threaten to quit if your demands are not met.
• List out the exact reasons why you feel you deserve it.
• Subtly point out that your talents could be appreciated elsewhere if you feel undervalued.
• If your demands are met, thank your boss and carry on doing a good job or it will cause resentment against you in the future.

If you follow these guidelines, you will easily be able to get the raise that you have been thinking about. Remember that bosses do like someone who demands a raise, but has the evidence to prove that he deserves it. If you have worked hard and consistently proven yourself valuable to the organization, there is no reason why you will be denied what you crave.