How To Make a Strong Case When Seeking A Raise

You've had a good year at work. You've put in extra effort and your results show it. As hard as you've been working, you feel like you are entitled to a raise. But how do you get one? Seeking a raise can be an uncomfortable situation. No one likes a conflict with their employer. However, if you really deserve a raise and can make a strong case for it, there should not be any conflict. Good employers recognize that rewarding loyalty, dedication and good, hard work is just good business. In many cases, an employer may be happy to give you a raise, as it is an indicator that you will be around for awhile and the employer will continue to benefit from your hard work. Here are a few tips on making a strong case when trying to get that raise.

Do Your Research

The key to any successful negotiation is to be prepared. Find out how much on average a person in your position is paid. You can usually find such information on the Internet or at your local library. Once you are aware of the typical range of salaries for your job, you will be in a better position to negotiate. If you are making less than the average, you have a rational justification for your raise right away. If you are making more, you will go into the negotiation armed with evidence of how you are providing a more valuable contribution than the average employee.

Gauge the Atmosphere

If your office has just made a bunch of lay offs, it is probably not the right time to be asking for a raise. On the other hand, if your company just had its most successful quarter ever, this is a great time to broach the subject. If you can, observe how others at your job are being compensated. If your co-workers have been receiving regular raises and you are not, this may be something you need to bring up with you employer. Also, know before walking in to discuss compensation how you are going to approach the situation. Will your boss respond to a more casual discussion or is a formal negotiation more appropriate? This will be based on your general relationship with your boss and your experience of what he or she responds to.

Present the Evidence

Don't go in without being armed with some evidence on your behalf. Even if you think it is obvious that you deserve a raise, your boss will probably want to hear why. Remind your boss of recent accomplishments or contributions you have made. If it is a big office, your employer may not be aware of all of the projects you have been working on or how you have performed. If you received any special recognition for your work recently, this might be a good time to remind your boss of this.

Accept the Outcome

If you have been working hard, contributing, and have not received a raise for some time, you will probably get one. Sometimes you will not. Advocate strongly for yourself, but if this is not the right time for a raise, don't push. You don't want to hurt your chances of getting that raise when the time is right. If you feel you cannot continue at your current salary, then you may have to consider leaving, but you should not use this as a threat. Most employers will respond more positively to a reasoned, calm approach, and this should ultimately get you what you want.

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