When friends or loved ones are getting a raw deal at work, it’s easy to come to their defense. But when it comes to speaking up for myself, that takes real effort and preparation. Asking for more on the job is never an easy thing to do, but it’s a skill set anyone can master.

Do your homework

Any proposal carries more weight when you back it up with hard facts. Before approaching your boss about a raise or bonus, or interviewing for a new job, research what comparable jobs are paying to create a realistic proposal. Here’s where to start:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is part of the U.S. Department of Labor, has an A to Z index that lets you select your job title and see an instant snapshot of the national average wage.

CareerOneStop lets you search average salaries by state.

Salary.com, SalaryExpert.com and Glassdoor.com allow you to tailor average salary data to your city, so you’re armed with the knowledge of what’s reasonable to ask for in your area.

Understanding general economic trends comes in handy as well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that employee wages on average rose 1.7% in the past year. Senior executives who switched jobs fared even better, with an average salary boost of 17% in 2013, according to Salveson Stetson Group research. Knowing that so many employees have increased their incomes in the past few years should give you the confidence to ask for better pay.

It also helps to familiarize yourself with your company’s specific policies for salaries, raises and bonuses.

Prepare your case

Your boss may have no idea how much you handle on the job, so start by making a list of all your responsibilities. Next, highlight your important accomplishments, which can include bringing in new business, solving a long-standing problem or coming up with an idea used at the company. Finally, don’t forget to bring the relevant salary data to the table, especially if you discovered that you’re earning less than average for others in your field. Know what you’re worth, and chances are your boss will realize your request is reasonable. Being prepared is the difference between negotiating and begging.

Your timing matters

If you wait until your annual review to ask for a raise, you may be too late. You need to discuss your salary goals before your company finalizes its compensation budget. The tricky thing: Don’t jump the gun. The best time to talk with your boss about money is when you can highlight a new responsibility or a recent achievement, such as completing a difficult project or resolving a company issue.

When interviewing for a job, try to wait till the last possible moment to negotiate salary. If you mention the money up front, prospective employers might be so focused on that dollar amount and whether you’re worth it that they may miss out on your best selling points. Use the interview to present all of your accomplishments, strengths and enthusiasm. Then, when the time comes to talk about money, you’ll have set the foundation for a discussion focused on compensation for what you bring to the job.

What if the answer is no?

Sometimes no matter how good your case, you’ll run into a wall. Try these approaches to keep your possibilities open:

• If your boss says this isn’t a good time, ask for a firm commitment to a future date to talk about your salary.

• If you’re told the company can’t afford raises this year, negotiate for a one-
time bonus instead. If appropriate, you can also ask for a new title, which gives you better leverage if you decide to look for a job elsewhere.

• If you’re denied a merit raise, ask exactly what you need to do to earn that salary bump in the future. Negotiations are common in the business world, but when it comes to negotiating for yourself, be ready to justify why you deserve a raise. You’ll feel and sound more confident.

Posted on 6/26/14

Writer bio:

Alexandra Rice is a writer who loves talking about all things education. After living in the Mid-Atlantic, South and Midwest, she has finally settled down out West in San Francisco. When not thinking about education, Alexandra can be found at the beach, playing with one of the many dogs at her office, or searching for the perfect cup of coffee. Catch her on Twitter day or night at @Alexandra_Rice.

 

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