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posted August 6, 1996
"I am long overdue for a boost in pay at work -- and am in a bit of a financial bind as well. Problem: My boss is notoriously short-tempered and tight-fisted. Does anyone have some practical, clever, fool-proof tips for asking for a raise?"
Vtrebor: Everbody looks for a WIIFM (What's In It For Me). Your boss will take notice when you can quantify your value to the company, ie, what profit your work brings in; what it will cost to hire and train someone to replace you; etc. Be careful here. If you can be replaced by someone younger, cheaper, and with more initial enthusiasm than yourself, you're dead meat. The more you can quantify your value in terms of dollars and cents, the more you're talking your boss's language -- and the better your chances are for being paid what you're worth.
dsimss1: You have to look at your company's structure. First question is: Does your company have a merit increase system? If so, make sure to do a thorough self-evaluation to determine if you have met the criteria for the increase. If there is no merit increase system in your company, then your next best chance is a promotion. If you meet the qualifications, then consider applying for it when it becomes available. If not, get together with your supervisor to develop a plan to obtain the skills and qualifications needed for promotion. One way or the other, do your homework before discussing the issue with your boss.
stractician: 1. Here is a quote (anon):
"In business, you never get what you deserve; you always get what you NEGOTIATE."2. The only way to prove your worth is to cause the perception that you CAN quit. Make sure you have an offer on hand, though.
3. Study your tight-fisted boss to see when he/she "gives in" to customers, peers, or whoever. Use that knowledge.
Lelacargill: If your boss drives a red sports car or similar car, then be enthusiastic and bouyant. Be a cheerleader for the company! Offer to do MORE! If your boss drives a Volvo or similar car, only talk about raises in terms of money. By giving you a raise or bonus, you will work harder and therefore make more MONEY for the company. If your boss drives a Blazer or Truck or any 4-wheel drive vehicle, go in there and have a list ready that shows your value to the company and don't take no for an answer! Keep "blazing away," as it were. If your boss drives a Cadillac or other luxury car, you are in trouble. But don't dispair. Try a comfortable, respectful approach. If your boss drives a van or station wagon, no problem! All you have to do is tell him/her how much you would LOVE to have a raise and what a WONDERFUL person your boss is should you get a raise.
MeddyG: They teach in Business 101 that money only motivates SHORT-TERM, if at all. Don't promise to work harder/longer/smarter. He'll disbelieve. Also, your boss sounds like an ape. However, the job market is TOUGH. Check out your options (for a new job); by changing, one can usually squeeze out a 10% raise, give or take. At last resort, go back to school nites/weekends and elevate your worth!
MJCameron: A co-worker of mine was in a similar situation. He was also reading Jerry Spence's book "How to Argue and Win Every Time." His strategy was to present his case in terms of how much more he was worth to the company NOW, after a year of doing the job and knowing what's involved, than he was when they hired him the year before, having never done this job before. When the boss said his budget had already been turned in and he hadn't factored a raise into it, my friend countered with directly asking the boss, "Don't you want to help me get this raise?" It was obvious that if he talked to the right people, he could get more money if he wanted to. My friend did get in to a meeting with his boss and the boss's boss. It didn't get him a raise, but if your company is better off economically, it sounds like it would work. Good luck!
wmills: Being a boss myself, I know what it takes to get a raise. Basically, present yourself logically, and don't get pushy. The kind of person I can't stand to ask for a raise is the one who walks into my office and says, "I've been thinking, I really need a raise." That tells me that they think I'm not competent enough to know when they deserve (BTW: that is the point, deserve) a raise. But, if a person comes in and ASKS me, "I believe that I am worth of receiving a raise, may I talk to you about it?" they are saying that they would like a raise, but want ME to know that they're capable of asking for it, instead of demanding it. (Oh, Lelacargill: I drive a 1995 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab. What kind of boss am I?)
[email protected]bmwking: As the former owner of Perfection MotorCars, the largest BMW dealership in North America (over 490 employees), I would suggest the following:
Keep a concise list of every "value added" performance item you have done to increase YOUR value to the company. You see, business owners these days have a lot to look at on a daily basis (the bottom line), and, just because someone THINKS they deserve a raise does not mean they are really DUE a raise. I look at how valuable a person is to the oveall structure and profitability of the company. With this philosophy it is not hard to understand why I have several "mechanics" making 20-30% more than mid level managers. It really boils down to how valuable your service is to the overall scheme of things. Keeping the aforementioned list will show your boss just how valuable you really are. If you find that you aren't really that valuable to the bottom line..... look for ways to increase you value to the company. Shows guts!crystal: I would suggest (like everyone else) that you make a list of things you have done to add value to your company. Also, make a list of projects you would like to work on. Set an appointment with your boss to talk to him. Do not catch him off guard at the water cooler. Also, when I renegotiated my position, I called other people doing the same type of job and asked them what they were making. You will be surprised how many people will tell you when you explain why you want to know.
If you boss says no to the raise, ask them why and what you need to do to qualify. Then, do it.
opera: I would wait until you think your boss is in a good mood and a time when it isn't too busy. When you talk to your boss, be prepared to back up your reasons for deserving a raise, what you do, how important you are to the company, etc. Also, think about whether or not you have a good working relationship with your boss. Is he/she someone you can joke around with? Is he/she someone whom you despise? Look at your company's profits, economic status; is asking for a raise at this particular time feasible? Most importantly, go in confident and do not be afraid to speak up!
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