This ranks as one of the most asked questions in a working environment. A lot of people feel like they deserve a raise but think it might be inappropriate to talk to their boss about it preferring to play safe by keeping quiet. When you got the job, they probably promised that with time they’d increase your pay but that time hasn’t come and you feel like you may get grey hairs before it actually does.
You are right to wait for the appropriate time to ask for a raise. Asking at the wrong time could absolutely ruin things for you. Waiting for the appropriate time and having the right negotiation skills will give you the best results in the soonest time. Such appropriate times to talk about a salary raise include;
- You got a job offer; the point when you just got offered the job might be the best time to negotiate a higher pay. Don’t settle for just anything. You do have the right to negotiate. be smart about negotiations though, to avoid sending the wrong message
- You’re getting promoted; so you’re being promoted. Seize that opportunity to talk about a raise. The new position might come with a different pay grade but it doesn’t mean it’s not open for negotiations
- You just hit a big deal; you just closed a big deal or finished major project and your boss is feeling excited and in a ‘I’ll reward you’ mood. This is your big window of opportunity to strike. Ask for a raise before the excitement of your big win wears off.
- You got assigned more responsibilities; this might sound like a promotion but it isn’t really. You were probably given more tasks because of your success track in that area. Whatever the case, more responsibility is good grounds for a raise so ask for it.
More important than asking for a raise at an appropriate time, is negotiating the right way. Keep this in mind when you’re negotiating;
- Be prepared for the negotiation with reasonable figures in mind
- When naming a figure, leave wiggle room. Don’t ask for N10, 000 when you need that exact amount instead ask for N15, 000 so if its cut to N10, 000, it’s still a win for you.
- They already know but might still ask why you think you deserve a raise. Answer this question in a way that highlights your responsibilities and accomplishments.
- Prepare to be turned down. when you’re prepared to be turned down, it won’t be as daunting if for any reason you actually get turned down.
- If the response however is along the lines of ‘I’ll see what I can do’ ask when you should expect a response.
- Always ask for the next step
Do you think you deserve a raise? Well, check and see that the time is right before you bring it up and when you do, use these tips while negotiating. If you feel like you’re being underpaid and the company is unwilling to do anything about it, it might be time for a new job.
