How To Negotiate For A Raise in Pay

Let’s talk money. On average, an employee is overworked and underpaid. Most times, people are not ready to ask for a raise people they are usually too polite in the work place. So here are some tips on how you can take your salary into your own hands and make more money.





Show Off: An important question to ask yourself: Why would your boss pay you more for doing what you were hired to do? Make sure you're going above and beyond for at least a few months before asking for more money. You'll need proof that you're worth it later.

Do Your Homework: Knowing out how much co-workers make is awkward, but try to run your salary by a mentor or trusted HR rep and ask if they think a raise request would be appropriate. Don't feel comfortable asking about that? Then Google your job title and "average salary" to see where you fall.
Timing Is Everything: Is that project you've been ordering sad desk dinners for wrapping up soon? Wait until you're basking in the warm glow of a big work success to ask for a bigger paycheck. Your glory will be fresh in your boss's mind.

Pencil it In: You don't have to tell your boss you want to talk cold, hard cash, but set up a meeting to talk about your "career path." That way she or he won't immediately throw down the lack-of-budget card.
It's Not About You, it's About Them: One of the biggest mistakes people make is asking for a raise because they're buying a new car or paying off student debt. Go in with an argument about why you're valuable to the company, not why you need the funds.

Give and Take: Sometimes the money just doesn't exist, but your boss might be willing to compromise. Ask for a title promotion, accept the additional responsibility, and tell your boss you'll revisit the salary talk in a few months. You can even negotiate benefits; ask for extra vacation days or see if you can be included in a bonus pool. (Sometimes money is allotted separately for bonuses.)

Get Ready to Prove It: Be ready to prove why you should be given a raise.
Make Plans: Don't freak out if the big cheese says she'll think about it, but do make follow up plans and be specific. Ask when you should follow up, what the next steps are, and what you can do in the mean time. It's not being annoying—it's being efficient, which further proves she doesn't want to lose you.

Culled from www.cosmopolitan.com