How to ask for a pay raise

Do you feel you deserve a raise but don't know how to ask for one? Here's how to approach your supervisor appropriately and make your case without seeming overly demanding.

Steps

1. Know your company's policies. Are you supposed to have annual performance reviews to determine your salary? Do salaries advance according to a fixed schedule or rank? Who can make the decision (or ask for it to be made)? Read the employee handbook (and company intranet, if you have one), or better yet, talk to someone in Human Resources.
2. Know what you're worth. Find out the usual salary range for those who do what you do in your region or area. If possible, get numbers that take into account:

* Your job description
* Your responsibility, including any management tasks
* Your years of experience
* Your seniority in the company
* Your education
* Your location

3. Prepare a list of your accomplishments. You can memorize the list or present a written copy to your boss for his or her reference. If you choose to present a written copy, have somebody proofread it for you first.
4. Make your case. Pay particular attention to problems you have worked on, and how you helped solve them. Why are you worth more money to your employer? How have business operations and profits improved since and because you've been there?

* Did you complete or help to complete a tough project?
* Did you work extra hours or meet an urgent deadline?
* Did you take initiative?
* Did you go beyond the call of duty?
* Did you save the company time or money?
* Did you improve any systems or processes?
* Did you support or train others?

5. Set time aside. If you just walk up and ask for a raise, you'll seem unprepared, and, well, like you don't deserve one. You don't have to give too much advance notice. Just say when you walk in to work in the morning "Before you leave, I'd like to speak with you." If your boss is really busy or disorganized, you might want to make an appointment.

Tips

* You can negotiate for more than just pay. If appropriate, talk about benefits, titles, and modifications to your responsibilities, management, or assignments. Ask for a company car.
* Many companies subscribe to industry salary surveys. Ask that your boss consult that information when determining your new compensation, especially if you think your pay has lagged behind that of your peers. It will lend credence to your numbers, if they are well-researched.

This article was obtained from http://www.wikihow.com/Ask-for-a-Pay-Raise.