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I've had success in asking for a raise with a technique that breaks down into two parts: First, frame the issue as a problem for you. A problem your bosses ca
by haseman 17y ago
I've had success in asking for a raise with a technique that breaks down into two parts:
First, frame the issue as a problem for you. A problem your bosses can help you with: I.E. your unhappy about the mismatch between your salary and your responsibilities. You leave step one when your bosses agree with you that it's a problem. I'd try to stay away from specific numbers and focus on your needs/feelings. Be general, talk about how others in your area are paid more, but shy away from exactly how much. This allows your manager to 'help' you with your problem without a commitment to what the 'help' might look like. Bosses _love_ to be helpful.
Second, once they admit that there is a problem, you can start talking about a solution. Remember, your bosse's hands may be tied with rules about max raises, bonus schedules, review cycles, and other such crap the corporate world throws in front of good bosses. So, before hand, figure out what solutions you'd be willing to accept. Maybe a deferred raise, bonus, more vacation, less work hours for the same pay. Try to be as flexible and honest as you can. The second stage is your time to start talking about specifics, but try to accommodate the limitations placed on your boss. That said, do your homework, if your boss is lying to you, don't call them out, just get ready to walk.
Last, be prepared to quit. It's hard to talk about how unhappy you are at your job if you haven't thought about alternatives. If it goes well you won't have to leave, but it's good to go into the discussion with the confidence that you could quit if you had to.
Good luck!