How to negotiate a pay raise

Alison Doyle, HR Specialist and Founder of Career Tool Belt, recommends going prepared to meet with your superiors. In her opinion, the employee should understand when it is appropriate to conduct this conversation and what arguments should be used in the conversation. The expert cites 10 factors that need to be addressed before and during negotiations.

Wait for a successful project

Did you have a great bargain or a big deal? This is a good reason to raise the issue of raising salaries. “While you're on the wave of success, take advantage of the perfect moment and chat with your leadership,” says Doyle.

Get ready

Go to negotiations prepared. Think in advance about the reasons why you deserve to be promoted, write them down and remember them in order to cite them as arguments when communicating with your superiors. In addition, mention all the recent achievements: for example, tell us about the expansion of your duties or frequent delays at work. Also, do not forget to describe the projects implemented under your leadership and your department development plans. Payment transfer to use TD Bank Routing Number The latter can be printed out in several copies and distributed to managers so that they can analyze your ideas.

Choose the right time

Specify in advance how often management evaluates the performance of departments: for example, every three months, six months, or once a year. This information can be obtained from colleagues or in the personnel department. If your department has shown its best side and your merit in this is obvious, then you can talk about promotion. Doyle also advises you to find out when the organization begins a new fiscal year, as it is better to conduct salary negotiations before its start.

Pay attention to the appearance

Before talking with superiors, pay attention to how you look. Even if the company does not have a strict dress code, your appearance should be presentable. “The main thing is not to overdo it,” Doyle notes. “Do not try to impress the leadership with your brilliant outfit: dress elegantly and tastefully to feel more confident in the negotiations.”

Think Plan B

Nobody likes to hear “no” in response to their proposal, but the refusal of the authorities may open up new opportunities for you. Use it in order to get other privileges: for example, the ability to sometimes work from home, a new laptop, or attending a foreign industry conference. By denying you a significant issue, management may make concessions in something less costly.

Communicate in person

You can make an appointment by email or by other means of communication, but negotiate the promotion yourself, face to face. Check with the director exactly when he has the free time: perhaps he has a “window” during lunch. Tête-à-tête format is the best way to indicate the seriousness of your intentions. In addition, in a personal meeting you will be able to visually assess the reaction of the interlocutor to your request.

Do not handle during a crisis.

If the company is not going through the best of times, and the manager is overloaded with work, do not contact him at this point about raising salaries. With a high degree of probability he will refuse your request, preferring to direct the available funds to overcome the crisis. Wait until the situation in the organization calms down, and the director's mood improves - on the rise of emotions and mental strength, people often perform noble deeds.

Do not put an ultimatum

During the negotiations, carefully select and weigh the words. “Show confidence in your position and perseverance, but don't become demanding,” Doyle recommends. “In any situation, be a patient and understanding employee.” According to the HR specialist, such a dialogue should be conducted carefully so that your statement does not look like an ultimatum. This is necessary in order not to spoil the relationship with the director, even if he refuses.

Do not use gossip

Many companies forbid employees to talk about their salaries. If you have heard rumours that one of your colleagues is receiving significantly more than you, do not use this information as an argument. Firstly, it is unprofessional, and secondly, you will not be able to confirm this information and will look like a gossip in the eyes of the authorities. Instead of pointing out the income of colleagues, focus on your own experience and merit, thanks to which you can achieve improvement.

Do not mention personal problems

During negotiations, do not mix professional and personal reasons. Doyle recommends using only corporate achievements as arguments, but not the problems that haunt you outside the office, be it the dismissal of your spouse, admission to a university, repayment of loans, or the purchase of a new car. Even if you are on friendly terms with the director, spare him the details of his personal life: he may consider that you enjoy his trust.

What to expect after a request for a raise

“Do not expect an immediate response from management. If you work in a large company, the head of your department, most likely, does not have strong powers to increase salaries. He will have to preliminarily discuss this issue with senior management or the manager responsible for the salary fund, ”said Doyle.

If you have been refused - do not be discouraged. Perhaps at the moment, the company does not have money, even if your increase seems to be well deserved. In addition, not all organizations can be flexible in resolving this issue: many adhere to the internal charter, according to which the accrual and increase of salaries occur. The exception is cases when an employee receives a bonus or seeks a salary increase, for example, for seniority or by the personal decision of top managers.