How to negotiate for a raise
Negotiating for a raise be it a pay rise or a promotion, ranks high as one of the most uncomfortable discussions that an employee can have with their employer. Despite the fact it may be obvious and deserving when you feel that you are a loyal and productive worker in your company, it is not always straightforward.
Here we highlight 5 top tips that are essential to helping you to negotiate for a raise in your company.
In preparation for your discussion with your employer, carry out proper research on your company. Knowledge is key to every negotiation and having a sound knowledge of how your company functions: who is the appropriate manager to have this discussion with, as well as the various steps that you will need to undertake is crucial. Furthermore, you have to start the conversation. Depending on your employer to bring it up may take forever, so be proactive in your move to demand.
The major fundamental step is to build your case. This is a very vital aspect because this is where you give reasons as to why you deserve a raise and corroborate these with evidence of your contributions and achievements in the company. It is therefore important to keep track of your accomplishments and ensure that they are recorded in an “accomplishments journal”, which will serve as tangible evidence to your employer of your business value and worth.
It is also important to determine when the appropriate time to bring up the discussion is: find out and analyze whether your company is going through a favorable time or not, such as cost-cutting measures or recent layoffs. This will give you an indication as to whether your negotiations will be successful or not.
Also do not get personal. The negotiation is not 100% certain to yield the outcome you want, therefore do not get personal and let your emotions control you. Focus on presenting your case in a professional manner.
Finally, stay positive! Even if you don’t get your expected outcome, continue being an exemplary employee and your raise will eventually happen.
