by Kristen M. Anderson

Created on: February 02, 2009   Last Updated: October 17, 2009

You may have done everything in your power to get that raise: showing up early, staying late, and getting additional training. If you're still getting passed up for a raise, it may be time to reassess your approach from your boss's perspective.

Bosses typically have both spoken and unspoken criteria that their subordinates must meet to get ahead. Unfortunately, many bosses don't share these criteria with their employees, leaving workers to wonder how they're really perceived and feeling like they have to "kiss up" to get ahead. By putting yourself in your boss's shoes, you can get that raise while preserving your integrity.

1. Conduct salary research. You can't effectively negotiate with your boss for a raise until you know the compensation for your position in the region in which you work. Resources to consult include the United States Department of Labor web site (www.dol.gov and career web sites including www.monster.com.

2. Speak with your boss. It's important to speak directly to your boss about his/her expectations for you to qualify for a raise. While this conversation can and should happen during a formal performance review, informal discussion is also encouraged in many companies to promote productivity and a good working relationship. During this conversation, ask your boss the following questions: Is the company able to offer raises at this time? If so, can you provide two to three concrete ways I can be considered for a raise? How and when are raises approved within the company? When do you expect the company to give raises this year?

Either during this conversation or in a subsequent discussion, you may want to give your boss your salary research information. Keep in mind that this is a delicate topic which requires tact and diplomacy. If your boss tells you that the company isn't doing very well, you may need to adjust your expectations accordingly.

3. Observe your boss's behavior. Does he/she prefer working in a team environment or solving problems individually? What are your boss's values? Does he/she value networking as much as putting the nose to the grindstone? If you're putting in long hours but your boss's mantra is "Work smart, not hard", chances are you're at the not top of his/her list for a raise. Once you understand how your boss defines success, you will be more able to attain it.

4. Consider other factors. There are internal politics in both large and small companies and it can be difficult to understand what's going on behind the scenes. Perhaps your boss is under pressure from upper management or is not well liked. Or, perhaps there is a strategic reason for rewarding other individuals in your department. Regardless of what's going on, try to focus on your own work while making mental notes of what's happening around you.

5. Be a team player. In many companies, employees are rewarded not just for their individual accomplishments but for their overall contributions to the company. Depending on the company, this could include participating in out-of-work activities with colleagues, going to networking events, or serving on a committee.

6. Make your boss look good. As opposed to "kissing up", making your boss look good means doing your work to the best of your ability (considering how your boss defines success) and defending your boss when necessary.

If you want a raise, you want your boss to think highly of you. Decide what this means for your boss, and strive to achieve it.

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