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The totaljobs guide to getting a pay rise
When we have so much to gain, why do so many of us refuse to ask for a pay rise? There's no shame in realising your worth and wanting an employer to acknowledge it. More money is motivating, it can boost your confidence and it will probably make you happier in your job.
So, to help all you bashful yet brilliant workers on the way to more money, here's the totaljobs guide to getting a pay rise.
Know your value
Your first task is to find out what's going on in comparable markets and job roles – start by using our salary checker and browsing relevant job ads. Happy with what you've found? Don't go running to the boss just yet.
Consider why you, as an individual, are worth the extra. Being generous with tea-rounds and almost never pulling a sickie aren't likely to impress. List out your achievements and consider what you've done to meet objectives set at the beginning of the year. Off the back of this add an assessment of your potential value. Remember you might get full marks for effort, but cold hard cash, no. Focus on your role in helping the business grow and your boss will sit up and listen. As managing director of Intuition Global, Sarah Callery explains, "You need evidence that you are already delivering more than your peers. A pay rise will be based on both your current performance and your guaranteed future performance, not just what you hope to achieve".
Choose your moment
Make sure you understand your company procedure for pay increases. Find out how employees normally qualify, when decisions are made and how you're being assessed.
Be aware that your boss is busy so don't force the issue at an inappropriate time. Ideally, if your company has an appraisal system, you should wait for your slot. Alternatively, discreetly set up a meeting to talk about your career development.
Take emotion out of the equation
Having a tantrum never worked on your mum and it won't work now. And don't think your boss will melt at the sight of your tears either. The only way you'll get what you want is by remaining professional.
Rehearse what you want to say and practice how you will handle their likely responses. Have your research ready to put forward a persuasive and rational argument as this should keep you calm and clear headed when the pressure is on. Whatever you do, don't threaten to leave; no employer likes to be blackmailed. Totaljobs COO, Shobhan Gajjar, is adamant about this one: "Never make demands, they may backfire. It's very important to be patient; start an early dialogue with your manager and keep them onside".
What if they say no?
Try and find out why, again remaining emotionally detached – if this will be difficult then send a polite follow-up email.
Times are tough right now so it could be the company has frozen pay rises. Alternatively there may be no money left in the pot for your particular role so you'll either need to work towards a promotion or look to develop your existing role. Take on more responsibility and find new ways to contribute to the success of the business. If the boss thinks you aren't ready for a pay rise, ask for constructive criticism and work with your employer to set goals to turn this around.
Don't take it personally
Money is closely tied to self-esteem so it's easy to take a pay rise knock-back very personally. Try and retain some perspective on this. The issue is not one of self-worth, it's just business. If you're told you aren't ready for a pay rise then don't interpret this as you're not good enough for a pay rise. Use this information to drive you forward towards attainable goals.
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