by H.G. Hess

Created on: April 18, 2007   Last Updated: April 03, 2011

When the time comes for your evaluation and you are requesting a raise, be prepared to hear some objections. Even the best employees will receive criticisms; this is how an employer gets you to step up your game. So if you know you've displayed some flaws (which you do), expect that they will be brought up. Do not come to the table empty-handed, expecting to be told you're perfect. That just doesn't happen in the real world. In addition, the company may have reasons of its own why they will not give you a raise. They will tell you that you are not getting a raise due to "budgeting". This may be true, but do not consider it a road block. Here is some advice on how to anticipate objections to your expectation of a raise.

If it's your behavior
The best thing to do is write down every aspect of your performance that you think might be discussed as a negative. Instead of providing your employer excuses, write down a course of action next to the plan that you will implement in the future. Also remind your employer of all your positive qualities, and write down specific situations and projects where you did an excellent job, showed progress, or went beyond your call of duty so you can discuss at your evaluation. If your workload and the expectations placed on you have exceeded your work description, showing this to your supervisors will help you get an increase in pay.

If it's budgeting
The fact that your employer did not budget for giving you a raise, does not mean you will not get one. You will just have to be more persistent. Inform them of your salary expectations, and make it clear that you will be disappointed if they are not meant. Do not threaten to leave your job. Just let your boss know that you were expecting more from the company and thought that your performance showed that. Usually, they have to talk to someone higher than them to get that raise, so you might have to guilt them a little in order to do it.

If it's looking grim
There are also a couple of situations in which objections can be made when you request a raise that you may not be able to argue against. These are if you've recently had a raise or the company is in financial turmoil.

If you've recently received a raise, you probably won't get another one unless someone is really fighting for you to get it. If this is the case, do not come to your evaluation with high expectations of a salary increase. If there is a continuing circumstance, such as you are helping someone in the interim before they get a replacement, you may have a chance of a small raise. However, if you aren't doing much more than before your recent raise, think of other benefits that would sweeten the pot. Could you use a couple days off? Need a get out-of-jail free card for coming in late or for extra time during lunch? Want to work from home a few days this year? If you don't foresee a raise, think of a few benefits you could bring up. Because you will not be getting a raise, some extra perks are highly plausible to boost your morale.

Lastly, if the company is exceeding in its budgeted expenses or has had less success in prior years, you probably won't get a raise, and may even get a salary reduction. Chances are, you would know if the company you work for is having financial problems. If this is the case, you really shouldn't expect to get a raise. If you are not content with your salary in this situation, it's time to move on.

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