First, it is essential to ask IN PERSON for a raise. Make an appointment to meet with your immediate supervisor, or whoever holds the purse strings for your position.

Draw up an organized outline of speaking points before that session. Stick to the facts. Bring any supporting evidence that may help you to make your case.

Remember the ABCs: Be Assertive, Brief, and Confident.
(OK, I just made that up, but it works!)

You may receive one of several possible responses:

YES: You may be granted a raise immediately. This is not likely. If it were, people would ask for raises all the time!

NO: You may be turned down. Perhaps the company is facing financial problems, and belt-tightening has become necessary. Maybe you have reached the top pay allowed for your position's scale. Possibly, the boss does not agree with that you deserve it at this time.

MAYBE: Depending on the company's structure, your boss may need to consult his own supervisor, the human resources department, or another area of the company. He or she may require additional time to ponder your request. Or, he or she may simply decide to stall a bit, instead of acting immediately. (This could go in your favor or otherwise.)

Before this meeting ends, be sure to ask WHEN you might expect to receive an answer to your request for a raise. Generally, a week or two is more than enough time to wait. If the response drags on much longer than that, you may assume your employer has put you off.

Don't be pushy. Hounding your supervisor for an answer will surely prove counter-productive.

Have a response plan ready. If your request is denied, will you be willing to continue working in your current position? Do you have any leads for other potential jobs? Dusting off your resume, while waiting for the response, may be a worthwhile pursuit.

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
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