by Neil Dixon

Created on: April 22, 2007   Last Updated: October 06, 2008

Would you like to know the sure fire way of achieving a positive result to that salary increase you are hoping for? It is a very simple process means taking just a few minutes a week. The key factor to obtaining the desired result when negotiating a salary increase is to understand what management are looking for from the employee to warrant such a raise. You should request that your boss inform you what traits and work related goals they are looking for from an employee to achieve in aid for them to progress within the company structure. There is nothing better than getting information straight from the horses mouth.

Salary reviews are normally held at the same time annually. You will be invited to attend a review with your manager, where you can discuss how the previous year has gone, and more importantly for you, what you achieved within your role that has been of benefit to the company. If you have added worth in the form of advanced revenue to the company then you are in a strong position to obtain a share of this boost to the company bank balance. Likewise, if you have covered all the criteria set down when you made the earlier request to the boss, this will strengthen your case for a salary increase.

Every employee that requests a larger salary must prove that they have earned it. This is done by gathering evidence throughout the year and keeping it in a folder. In this way, you are prepared for when the time comes for the employee to meet with their manager. They will have a portfolio of written testimony as to the great work you have carried out.
For Example, a good source of testimony is an actual statement from the manager themselves, highlighting when a positive result has been achieved by the employee. Whenever you receive praise for an excellent piece of work, request the manager write you a quick testament stating what you have done, or in some cases it has been known that the employee writes the testimony and the manager reads and endorses it. Managers can very busy people too, and some will not take to the idea of having to actually write out a testimony.

Your portfolio will build through the year into a cast iron case, showing that you really do warrant a higher salary. Besides, what manager could possibly say "no", when some of the items in the portfolio have been written or signed by them?

It is never too late to begin amassing the records for your next salary review, by spending a few minutes each week doing so, the financial benefit should be a great reward for time well spent.

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