How to Demand For Your Target Salary Raise Without Getting Fired

Do you want to increase your salary? Of course you do, who doesn’t? The more important question is how to ask for for more from your boss! Some are too shy to ask while others are too bold. Regardless which one you are, consider these pointers before you pop the question to your boss. When done wrong, you might find yourself without work rather than getting a salary increase.

If you think you are indispensable, think again. The world is full of aspiring people equally talented or even better than you. I know that’s a harsh thing to say. But that’s the reality. Out there is someone who can do a better job. The only advantage you have is that you already have the position. To ask for a raise requires that you prove your worth to the company. Don’t be bashful in enumerating your accomplishments. However, be mindful not to come out boasting about them as well.

Document what you have done and share what you intend to do in the future. This way you can paint a clear picture of you as an asset to the company. Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself:

• What have you done?
• What positive impacts have you made to the company?
• What do you intend to do in the future for the company?

Furthermore, prove that you made an impact to the company. Accomplishing your daily task is not even worthy of mention. Don’t even think of asking a raise simply because you are doing your job. Instead, focus on what else you have done apart from your expected tasks. Here are some examples:

• Don’t brag that you accomplish your sales target
• Instead, focus on how much more you have surpassed your sales target.

• Don’t ask a raise because you help train your co-workers.
• Instead, focus on how productive they have become.

• Don’t ask a raise because you’re in financial trouble.
• Instead, focus on how motivation can improve your productivity.

List your Responsibilities

Since you started work, list all the additional responsibilities given to you. Take note I underlined the word additional. The more responsibilities you have the more chances that your request will be heard and granted.

When your company is downsizing, it is not a good idea to ask for a raise. Chances are if you push them with an ultimatum of more pay or you’ll walk away, they’ll open the door for you to walk out. Even if you are important to the company and letting you go is not an option, asking for a pay increase at this time is not a good idea. Threatening the operations of the company is not professional and definitely inappropriate. Although this seems a likely opportunity to corner the boss for a salary bump, fight the urge and perhaps you’ll even get more than you expect in the long run.

Instead, pick a time when there are no drastic changes in the organization. When everything is relatively stable (if there is such a time) by all means ask for a pay upgrade.

Also, you might want to check if your company has a regular pay increase. Some companies have annual pay upgrades. Furthermore, there are companies who have performance evaluations with pay incentives attached to positive assessments. You may want to use these performance evaluation results to strengthen your case for pay increase.

Salary standard

Surely you want more than the usual. But before you ask exorbitant amounts, know what is the industry standard for your position. Moreover, take note of your additional competencies, experiences, accreditations and other professional. Every additional value-added credential you can include will help you justify what you want. Of course include only those that are relevant.

Financial health of your organization

You may have the right qualifications and the salary bump is justifiable but is the company financially capable of giving what you want? So check if financially the company can give it to you. Otherwise, you’re just wasting time (and perhaps creating a huge fuss).

While some companies have regular increases, some don’t. So it pays to know the salary program of your company. This is essential so that you follow the protocols laid out by the company when asking for salary upgrade.

So where do you get this information?

Try checking your company manual or handbook. Do you remember the stacks of documents given to you when you first joined the company? Well, take out and read it.

Ask your HR department. You can always ask the HR Department on policies concerning asking for salary increases.

Just remember that you don’t stride down to your boss’ office and ask for a raise. There is a process and that you need to go through it. So set up a meeting if needed, write a formal request or do whatever steps you are expected to go through.

Last but not the least is the need to prepare for negotiations. Although you have a specific amount in mind, it does not necessarily mean you will get it. So ask yourself what compromises you are willing to take. Perhaps a scheduled salary increased over a certain period of time can be put on the table. Also, additional incentives apart from monetary increase can be tossed in. Remember that a compensation package is not merely a discussion about money. So try to look into different avenues to get a win-win situation.

Asking for a raise can be unnerving. But when you know how and when to do it, it will be easier. Moreover, when done right, your chances of getting higher pay increases.

Quick Queries:

• When was the lst time you asked for a salary increase?
• What are you doing to earn the pay upgrade that you want?