Asking for a raise can be a difficult challenge and some people are intimidated enough by the workplace or a supervisor that they will never ask for more money. Many organizations have formal review processes in place that do not necessarily allow for people to request more salary at other times. Still, there may be unique situations where it is acceptable for people to ask for a raise and potentially be granted their request. Here are a few tips on the best ways to ask for a raise.

A bit of research

If people are going to ask for a raise, they have to do their homework. In other words, they must make an argument as to why they deserve to be paid more at the present time. This can include the employee's value to the company in terms of additional revenue or additional cost savings that has directly resulted from their work. Some people might be tempted to cite their knowledge of what others make, but this can be a very dangerous strategy because in most companies colleagues are not necessarily supposed to know each other's salaries.

Preparation of defense

When people make their presentation, they should be ready to defend their request. In other words, they should anticipate the questions or concerns that may be expressed by the supervisor. Granted, they have to be careful not to be too combative or threaten the boss. This is still a request that the supervisor does not have to grant and employees must be careful not to overestimate their value to the organization.

Timing

Regardless of the validity of a staff member's argument, they must still be aware of timing. Supervisors are still human, and they have their good days and their bad days. It may be best to enter an office and gauge the mood before launching into the sales pitch. If people go straight in and start their request, they may find themselves in a bad situation because the boss is in a poor mood.

Live to fight another day

Finally, people need to know when their request is not being received well. This is not the time to get emotional or desperate. If the manager refuses to grant the raise, the worker has to be careful about pushing the subject. Perhaps the supervisor has to refuse now but they might grant the request later. If the employee will not drop the request, they might close the door permanently.

Overall, people must remember that asking for a raise must be planned well and executed with wisdom. If people want to ask for a raise, they must muster the courage to make the request, but they must also be aware of their surroundings and understand the reality of such a request.

Learn more about this author, Todd Pheifer.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about The best ways to ask for a raise?
We want to hear your view. Write now!