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Asking for a Raise
Dear Dave,
What’s the best way to ask for a raise at work?
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
I think the first 10 sentences that come out of your mouth should be about gratitude. Let your boss know how
much you like being there and all the things you appreciate about the business and your job. It’s always a
good idea to get the point across that you’re grateful for what you already have before you go looking for
more.
The next step might be to detail the attributes you bring to the company—the traits, habits and
accomplishments—that make you valuable to the organization, and why they make you more valuable than
your paycheck currently indicates. Then, ask your boss to reconsider your compensation based on these
factors. It wouldn’t be a bad idea, either, to do a compensation study based on the salaries of people in your
line of work, who are employed by comparably-sized organizations in your region. Asking for a raise is one
thing, but putting the research into your request that proves what you’re asking for is fair and well reasoned
never hurts!
Smile a lot and make sure you keep any hints of bitterness or anger out of the conversation, too. You’re trying
to persuade this person to see things your way. Just remember, no matter how convincing your argument may
be, the answer—for whatever reason—could always be “no.” You need to be ready to accept it with the same
professionalism and grace that went into your request. If you don’t, you just might knock yourself out of a
raise or promotion somewhere down the road!
- Dave
* For more financial advice, plus special offers to our readers, please visit www.davesays.org.
What’s the best way to ask for a raise at work?
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
I think the first 10 sentences that come out of your mouth should be about gratitude. Let your boss know how
much you like being there and all the things you appreciate about the business and your job. It’s always a
good idea to get the point across that you’re grateful for what you already have before you go looking for
more.
The next step might be to detail the attributes you bring to the company—the traits, habits and
accomplishments—that make you valuable to the organization, and why they make you more valuable than
your paycheck currently indicates. Then, ask your boss to reconsider your compensation based on these
factors. It wouldn’t be a bad idea, either, to do a compensation study based on the salaries of people in your
line of work, who are employed by comparably-sized organizations in your region. Asking for a raise is one
thing, but putting the research into your request that proves what you’re asking for is fair and well reasoned
never hurts!
Smile a lot and make sure you keep any hints of bitterness or anger out of the conversation, too. You’re trying
to persuade this person to see things your way. Just remember, no matter how convincing your argument may
be, the answer—for whatever reason—could always be “no.” You need to be ready to accept it with the same
professionalism and grace that went into your request. If you don’t, you just might knock yourself out of a
raise or promotion somewhere down the road!
- Dave
* For more financial advice, plus special offers to our readers, please visit www.davesays.org.
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Dave Says
