Pursuing a Raise
Most women would never dream of asking for a raise – they simply wait for performance review season and accept the allocated raise (if any) established by the company powers that be. I challenge you to think outside of the box and introduce the concept of a promotion if you have gone above-and-beyond in your organization and if you are ready to defend your case to your boss.
The onus is on you to determine your worth in your organization and showcase why you are a value-add. You need to be well armed with a raise campaign that illustrates the return on investment for your company by having you in the job.
Ann Daly shared her insight about asking for a raise in a great article for The Glass Hammer online. Here are the crucial things to consider and prepare for before you hit your boss up for a promotion.
Wind down your emotions. Emotions about salary inequity can be extremely frustrating and although valid, need to be left at home, at all cost. Check your emotions at the door before you enter your workplace and know that research, strategy, and action require a clear head.
Read up. Study up on your negotiation techniques, consider role playing with a trusted mentor or career coach, and be ready before the big ask.
Do your research. Use trusted resources like the Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook to find out what the going rate is for your position in a given industry and geographic area. Look at your company’s close competitors and sleuth out their salary rates for additional comparison. You must have hard facts to support your case.
Quantify your contribution to the organization. You must be ready to illustrate your worth in the organization as it impacts the bottom line and or strategic mission of the company. Factors such as clients served, percentage of sales, reduction of costs, and other measurable values you bring specifically to the organization. You should be calculating these quantifiable metrics regularly so you are ready at a moment’s notice to articulate your worth.
Time it right. Schedule a private appointment with your boss so you have her undivided attention. Nobody wants to be surprised with this type of request and you want the focus of the conversation to be about you.
Make your case. Be ready to state what salary you think is appropriate in terms of your contributions to the organization. Don’t argue, get defensive or overly emotional – stay cool and focused on your value-add proposition. Leave your boss with a written account of what you delivered verbally so she can consider it after you have left the office. An informal follow-up email will establish any next steps and keep your request in play.
Update your resume and portfolio. If the organization does not respond positively to your request, it may be time to leave. Sometimes we need to move to another organization in order to move up. Keep your resume and professional portfolio updated and ready should you need to start networking quickly. All the work you put into asking for a raise will certainly come in handy when you transition to a new organization and discuss starting salary with your next employer.
