If you are thinking of asking for a pay rise, it is important that you take into account a series of factors that may condition the response you receive. In this article we tell you 10 key factors you should take into account before asking for a raise.
The first thing to bear in mind before considering a pay rise is to What is the current situation your company is going through. Are you in a good or bad financial situation? Is there a close possibility of external capital growth or investment? You must consider that, as much as you deserve that raise, if the company is not going through a period of boom or growth, it will not be the most opportune moment. However, if it is in a good moment, it will be a good idea to take advantage of the opportunity.
How long have you been with the company? Have the duties you were hired for changed? Have your responsibilities increased since you started? Do you manage a team or do you still work under the supervision of a superior? These factors are important when considering an increase, so you must to be clear about what arguments you can make in favour of to be granted.
Carry out prior research into the average salary for people in your salary bracket if you are unaware of it. You must aim for realistic figures that are commensurate with your responsibilities, as well as with market offerings. Carry out a detailed analysis and Previously study the current situation of the labour market and of the competition.
The time to prepare the annual budgets is usually adequate. If you can find out, and ask for it before the closure of these budgets, your increase could be included in your company's annual planning.
You must Request a formal meeting. Choose the right moment and ask in advance so you can prepare your arguments calmly. Consider the time of day when that person is least busy, as you'll have a better chance of success with your request. There's nothing worse than choosing the wrong moment, as your interlocutor's mood is crucial.
First of all, thank them for the opportunity of the meeting. Begin by highlighting the company's values and the positive aspects of being part of the team. Do this sincerely. Explain your current employment situation, but never from a negative point of view. It is essential that you take care of both your verbal and non-verbal language. The connection with your audience is extremely important. State a specific amount or percentage. Above all, do not appear hesitant.
The most difficult step is to propose the land increase. Now, you must listen to the answer. You must be prepared for a refusal or a counter offer. Thank them for their time, value the offer and think about your response. It is very important to Remember that the answer doesn't have to be immediate. Indeed, the answer might take some time. Do not give up, but be subtle. Remind the person in charge after a reasonable period that you are awaiting their response.
If your boss or the person in charge of human resources offers you a figure lower than what you had in mind, or what you thought they would offer, it's time to negotiate. Don't be discouraged. Everything is negotiable. Furthermore, it's not just about negotiating wages, you can do it with holiday days, insurance options or social benefits for employees, improve the Work-life balance, etc. Explore the methods most suited to your own needs. Sometimes, a direct salary increase is harder to grant than improving working conditions without this implying that they are paid less.
Don't threaten to leave the company or suggest you have counteroffers if it's not true. It's not a good strategy. If you genuinely have a counteroffer, consider how you can use it to your advantage without making your counterpart feel “threatened.” You have already stated your request. If they recognise your professional qualities and your desire for a salary increase, they will surely consider the possibility of you leaving if you don't get what you want. Thank them for their time and be graceful. Always remember that you are still working in the company until you decide otherwise.
You shouldn't make it public. Thank the person who gave you the raise for their trust and don't make comparisons easy, misunderstandings, or a wave of new requests for pay rises from your colleagues. Each worker should think about their salary and decide when and how to negotiate their own pay rise. In this regard, discretion is a fundamental factor to be taken into account.
Considering asking for a pay rise can cause stress for employees, but all staff have the right to do so if they feel they deserve it. As long as the smooth communication, the logical request and the open and dialoguing attitude (of both the employee and the boss or HR manager) will represent a point of growth and resolution both professionally and personally.
