Let’s be real - we all want a raise at work. But, a raise can’t and shouldn’t be given to everyone. So what are the criteria? A raise should be given to an individual who has spent at least six months to a year in a certain position, and has done well or even gone above and beyond in their role.

So let’s say that you resonate with the above criteria - YAY! Now you actually need to get the raise you want - but asking for a raise can often be uncomfortable and feel daunting. And depending on if you work for a small or large organization, there could be many restrictions on giving employees pay raises. However, if you are prepared, think ahead, and use good communication, you will have a really strong chance at getting the raise that you deserve!

Here are the 5 steps you need to take to get your raise:

1.       Make yourself visible

The first step to asking for a pay raise is actually doing the work to deserve one. So what if you are doing all this great work, but nobody knows about it? You need to make sure that what you are doing is visible to not only your boss, but his boss, and your colleagues. This means being involved in additional projects, presenting at department events, or working on assignments close to your big boss or different colleagues. The goal is to get your name out there as someone who is reliable and who is involved in multiple aspects of the business. Here are some examples of what you can do:

        - Organize (volunteer to organize) the quarterly department events

        - Create a new template that you and your colleagues can use to make administration easier

        - Streamline the hiring process for managers

        - Implement weekly calls with all new customers and clients

Whatever you choose to do, make sure you stand out and show that your work impacts others around you in a positive way.

2.       Constant communication

If you want a raise in the next six months, you need to start talking to your boss about it immediately. First, express your interest in wanting a raise, and then discuss the different steps you can take in the next few months to achieve this. Ask them what their expectation is of you - what do they need to see from you in order to give you a raise.

You should also begin speaking to your boss’s boss, as well as your HR representative so you can ensure everyone is on the same page. This can be done in an informal conversation, stating your interest in getting a raise, while asking their expectations and what administrative work to expect.

3.       Make a plan

Now that you’ve discussed your goals and expectations with your boss, it is time to create a detailed plan. This plan can include the specific projects you want to work on, people you want to work with or goals you want to achieve. Write them down and put it on your desk, in your notebook, or on notes in your laptop – it needs to be somewhere where you can see it daily and it can remind you of the goals you have set. Each point should have specific deadlines to keep yourself accountable.

4.       Record your achievements

Now that you’ve created your plan, you need to write down what you actually achieve! People tend to have short memories, or “forget” the good things you do, so making a list and keeping tabs on everything you accomplish is crucial. Physical evidence of your achievements and work cannot be disputed, and it will also give HR at larger companies an upper hand on helping you achieve your raise.

You should also be updating this file monthly (if not bi-weekly), and showing your boss during monthly check-ins. That way they can see your progress, and it also shows your willingness to want to achieve your goals. This makes your work completely transparent to everyone involved.

5.      Have the tough conversation

You’ve updated your boss, you’ve made a plan, you have completed and written down all of your achievements – so all that’s left is the big conversation! And if you have done all of the four steps above, this shouldn’t be a “big” conversation, but a natural next conversation after the ones you have already had. At this point it shouldn’t be a surprise to your boss that you would like a raise, and he/she should already know the steps you have taken to achieve your goals. Your conversation, however, should be more formal. You need to print out and show them your achievements, while explaining the reason you deserve a raise. You need to ask what timelines you can look forward to, and what to expect. Keep having weekly meetings with your boss asking for updates on your raise status. If you feel like this isn’t going your way, talk to your boss’s boss, or even your HR representative to get things moving.

We hope this was helpful! For a more individualized plan on asking for a raise, contact us about our coaching services here or at doubletake.lifestyle@yahoo.com