Ask for a Raise, Plan for a Raise

What is the one thing that every employee dreads in their job? Asking for a raise perhaps...

Asking for a raise is something that nearly everyone has done at some point. For some people, the process is easy and they are well aware of just how to go about it. For others, the very concept is a stress invoking nightmare that they avoid at all costs – and typically it costs a lot. Though this is something that should be considered when even applying for a job, perhaps it was not considered or the original discussion has been forgotten. Either way, with a few simple ideas in mind, asking for a raise does not have to be so difficult. As it was mentioned, it is usually a good idea to find out the company’s normal procedure for giving raises; however, sometimes this has not or could not be done. The easiest way to remedy this is to ask other employees.

By talking to a few workmates, it is simple to get an idea for whether there is a strict policy or if it is based on a more nebulous, abstract scheme. If the policy is not well established then do not be shy about asking people if and when they asked for a raise. Another aspect of asking for a raise is being sure that it is warranted. Even if the company does not have a strict policy—such as giving a standard percentage raise every year—there are probably basic elements that any employer would want to see before considering handing over more of the company’s money.

Having both a good understanding of what is expected and making sure that those expectations are fulfilled puts the employee on solid ground when attempting to ask for that raise. Once the decision about asking for a raise has been made, it is sometimes better to acknowledge the desire and use that as a focus for their work. Spending a few weeks or so performing above and beyond normal duties is a way to add weight toward getting that raise. Related to this is the question of timing. Making sure that the functioning of the company—or the boss—is not currently in a crunch or overloaded is an important pitfall to avoid. Simply put, timing is an important factor.

As long as the policies allow for a raise, the employee deserves the raise, and the company is not overburdened, any employee should be confident in asking for a raise. While the company may save a little money due to the shyness of their workers, it is generally felt that confident employees—ones that will ask for their due—make for better employees. Do not just ask for a raise, plan for a raise as well.