How and When to Ask for a Raise

Before you ask for a raise, you will need to stop and consider a few things, and then determine your best course of action.

Why do want this raise?

If you took a lower salary than you originally wanted, you may be hoping to make up for lost income. Unfortunately, this will likely not be a successful quest. Salary increases are based on what you earn, not what you wanted to earn.

Is it because you had a very good performance evaluation? This is a great boost in confidence, but the fact is, you are expected to come to work and do a good job. Merely performing your duties well is not cause to ask for a raise, because you are already being paid to do a good job.

Is it because you can show examples of your achievements and of how you have benefited the company above and beyond what they required in the job description? Now you’re getting somewhere. If you’ve kept a running record of your achievements and you have several examples of superior performance, you have a case to ask for a raise.

Timing is everything.

Your performance evaluation is not the right time or place to ask for a raise. There is a risk that your employer will downgrade your overall evaluation in order to avoid having to compensate you additionally. Employers do not expect to have to reward you for doing your job. Your salary is your reward.

Your performance evaluation does count though. If you've had a less than stellar rating, hold off on asking for a raise until you can improve on your weak ares. Once you've had a great evaluation, start planning your case. think of at least one or more examples of achievements you've had since the evaluation. This way, you basing your request on tangible examples of your worth, and the evaluation provides supportive evidence.

Mind your boss's schedule. Be cognizant of high-stress periods in his usual monthly schedule, and try to approach him during a calmer time.

Know what you want.

Be realistic and don't expect a raise that is well above the going rate for the same job elsewhere. Do some research so that you can offer facts and stats in support of your request.

Never try to base your salary expectations on your living expenses or other personal circumstances. These are yours to manage and have nothing to do with whether or not you deserve a raise.

Be prepared to accept less than you are asking for. Negotiation is an unfortunate reality that you must take into consideration. You will likely be offered less than you are asking for, so start by asking for a little bit more than you really want.

Consider alternate compensation. If a raise is out of the question, have a back-up plan which could include additional paid vacation, some sort of bonus structure, or a better pension plan.

Boldly go.

Now that you’ve made a compelling case, you need to give your employer adequate time to think about it. Set up a subsequent meeting right away, and follow-up. You will likely have to be the proactive party. Good luck!