Home > Jobs & Careers > Managing Your Career > Getting Ahead
Created on: January 12, 2009
So you want to increase your salary? Have you put any thought into making it happen, beyond hoping for a miracle? You can't just sit around waiting for a windfall to fall in your lap. If you want that extra money, you'll have to go about it the old fashioned way. Yes that's right, you'll have to earn it, but don't despair, there are ways to increase your salary, and possibly your status within the company.
JOB PERFORMANCE
Being a dedicated and conscientious worker is key to enjoying a pay increase. This means arriving on time for shifts, making good use of company time ( not playing poker on your computer ), taking only scheduled breaks and adhering to a good work ethic. Complete assignments on time, with care and accuracy. Work effectively with coworkers and pull your share of the load, rather than leaving others to pick up the slack. A reliable, hard worker is a valuable asset to the company, and a smart employer will be willing to offer a raise, to keep you on staff.
LEAD THE PACK
Going the extra mile to ensure day to day operations run smoothly, won't go unnoticed. If you've got some free time, offer to help coworkers complete assignments. Be available to coworkers, to answer questions and resolve problems, rather than having to disturb the boss. Remember to be of assistance, not be taken advantage of. The boss will appreciate your leadership abilities, and likely be willing to compensate you for them.
TAKE ON MORE RESPONSIBILTY
Prove that you're worth your weight in gold, and take on more responsibility. Just be sure not to take on more than you can handle, or this strategy can quickly blow up in your face. Take on extra assignments to help alleviate the boss's heavy work load. Offer your help in a department other than your own, which may be in need of a helping hand. An employee who can be called upon to get things done in a pinch really is worth their weight in gold, or at least a salary increase.
BUILD ON YOUR SKILLS
In today's ever changing world of technology there's always something new to be learned. Keep yourself up to date and competitive in the job market by taking some courses, special training or even work towards a degree. The more skills and qualifications you have, the more versatile you are at which jobs you can perform at your place of business. These additional qualifications are definitely worth an addition to your salary.
SHOW INNITIATIVE
Take the bull by the horns and get things done. Approach your work with confidence and ensure what needs
Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:
Ways to increase your salary
When it comes to increasing your salary, there are many different tried and true methods. Some involve extra work, some
by Todd Pheifer
How much is enough?
Despite the fact that plenty of people make a "decent" living, there are always those that think about
No one ever believes that they make enough money. There is always a higher salary to strive towards, even if it seems to
by Shaheen Darr
Getting a salary increase does not happen overnight. Employers look at a number of factors, including the time that you
by Cody Hodge
Do you wish that you could make more money at work? There are certainly times when it seems like you could be getting paid
View All Articles on: Ways to increase your salary
Helium Debate
Cast your vote!
Should workers be held back by lack of formal schooling?
Click for your side.
Featured Partner
The Center for Responsive Politics (Open Secrets)
The Center for Responsive Politics (CRP) is the nation's premier research group tracking money in US politics and its effect on elections and public policy. Founded in 1983, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Center aims to create a more edu...more