Sometimes, it seems like the only way to get a raise is to quit and go to another company. Employers take their own people for granted. But you can get a raise without having to jump ship.
How to get a raise—the wrong way
Mark had been seething for months. After two years of working long hours to transform a slipshod department into a smooth-running machine, he’d only received the standard 3% raise. “Doggone it!” he told himself. “Those S.O.B.’s have been taking advantage of me for far too long!”
When he stormed into the boss’s office, he angrily said, “Give me a raise now—or I quit!” Not only did he not get the raise, his boss told him to quit.
Mark certainly deserved a substantial raise, and the boss would regret it if he quit, but his extremely confrontational approach put the boss on the defensive. Predictably, the boss dug in her heels. Mark had done exactly the opposite of what’s generally effective. Bosses don’t like people challenging their authority—and no one like harsh words.
How to get a raise: Take responsibility for your compensation
I recommend a rational and methodical approach. First, remember that raises are earned. They may give you a cost of living adjustment for warming a chair in the office, but substantial raises are given only for substantial contribution. Build a good case for why you deserve one.
Remember, it’s not the boss’s job to keep track of your accomplishments. It’s your job to let the boss know why you should be rewarded. Most of us, including the boss, tend to focus on problem areas, not the areas that are going well. If you’re doing fabulous work, the boss will focus elsewhere. Think of how much attention you pay to the office maintenance man. Probably, you never commend him for maintaining just the right temperature in the office—but you’d sure think about him if it were freezing or sweltering.
How to get a raise: Keep a Job Journal
Your first task is to document your contributions. I recommend keeping a job journal in which you track of what you have done to make the company money, save money, make operations more efficient, promote customer satisfaction, improve employee morale, and so on. Quantify these things when you can. If you haven’t been doing this, start now.
What if you’re in a job where things aren’t easily quantified? All of us have our antennae up, sensing, how am I doing on the job? Think about how you KNOW you’re doing a great job. What’s different because you’re there? What evidence shows you that you’re making a difference? For example, if you’re a great corporate trainer, managers might notice that when you train new employees, they immediately become contributors and don’t ask a lot of elementary questions. The trainees may give you great compliments. You have stellar marks on participant evaluation forms.
How to get a raise: Get the boss on your side
Then, prepare a memo for the boss. In this memo, you should first express loyalty to the company. If you like working for the company and the boss, let him/her know it. Establish a tone of good will. Let the boss know what you appreciate about your relationship. Then, using the material from your job journal, document your contributions, being specific about how you make a difference. Show the boss that you are a top contributor and deserve a raise.
invaluable. My final salary was $15,000 above the initial offer. I know that activ:8 paid for itself… and abundantly more! Read more c
