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When you want to ask for a raise, and you need something to convince your boss to give it to you, one option is to use another job offer as leverage. There are some benefits and risks with this strategy.

If you are a valued and hard-to-replace employee, it could help. The possibility of losing you to the competition may be enough to make your boss want to motivate you to stay. He or she may realize that you need to know that you are appreciated.

This can also let you know where you stand: just how vital are you to your company? Be careful using this strategy to get a raise, be sure you really do have another offer. If you are bluffing and your boss calls you on it, you may end up without a job.

Your attitude when approaching your boss will have a big influence on your success or failure. If you make your boss feel like you are threatening to quit, or like you are giving an ultimatum, he or she will likely be defensive and it will not work. Stick to the facts; you feel that you deserve a raise because you are good at your job. Another company wants you. State that you would rather stick with your current job, if only the pay were as good as the other offer. This will open a more positive communication with your boss, and he or she will be more likely to discuss it with you.

Learn more about this author, Marcia J.
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