by Krystle Hernandez

Created on: April 25, 2007   Last Updated: May 16, 2007

Asking for a raise can be an overwhelmingly difficult process. No matter how much they contribute to their organization's success, many individuals in "lower" positions than their bosses will ultimately feel a sense of inferiority when asking for a raise. Fortunately, however, this does not have to be the case. Asking for a raise can go surprisingly smoothly if you are prepared before you ask and rational while asking.

The first thing you should do before asking for a raise is shift the power to your side. Asking for a raise is very much like preparing for a trial. In this case, your overall skill and aptitude as an employee is on trial and it's your job to prove your case.

Be sure that you have collected all the materials necessary in order to justify your argument that you need an increase in compensation. Have you written any crucial reports? Have you been working late hours with little recognition? Bring these and other issues to the attention of your employer when asking for a raise.

Also, be sure to brush up your resume. Some individuals find it beneficial to circulate their resume among potential employers when considering asking for a raise. Having another job offer in your back pocket can certainly be a wildcard on the table when you're asking for a raise. Your employer may counter offer, or ultimately show his or her true colors and let you go.

Regardless, when discussing the prospect of a raise with your employer, remember to be reasonable. If he or she has a valid reason for denying your compensation increase, then try to negotiate some other compensation such as an increase in vacation time. Many employers are flexible when negotiating, as long as they are not pressured, so keep that other job offer in your back pocket in the even that your employer's reasons are not acceptable to you.

Either way, if the final answer is no, it can certainly be a huge blow to your ego, so keep in mind that any other answer, even "maybe" is a small victory for you. Perseverance is half the battle. While the answer may be no right now, it doesn't mean that it will always be no. However, if you recognize that you've been denied a raise several times or if the reasons why just aren't good enough for you, then seek another employer.

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