Asking_Your_Boss_for_a_Raise.

Asking your boss for a raise doesn’t have to be painful if you plan the conversation well, using several simple but effective techniques. These techniques will increase your chances of success and give you a blueprint for making the request professionally. First, think about how you will introduce the subject when you talk with your boss. You must ask for the raise; don’t expect your employer to take the initiative. Before you confront your employer, stand in front of the mirror and rehearse, “I deserve a raise.” Never say, “May I have a raise'” “Could I have a raise'” or “Is it time for my raise'” Always say, “I deserve a raise.” You need to believe that before you can convince your employer. Then, make a list of the reasons why you deserve a raise. Write down exactly what you have done to deserve the raise. Use concrete, observable achievements that cannot be disputed, and be ready with specifi c examples. If a dollar value in savings to the company has resulted from your work, make sure you have documentation confi rming this. Also, consider the amount you will ask for. Always ask for more than you think you deserve. The key word here is more. Rehearse this higher amount while standing in front of a mirror so that you won’t hesitate or stutter when you ask your boss for the raise. Too many people ask for a modest raise, unaware that this simple request may have negative side effects. When a worker asks for an unusually small raise, the employer has a tendency to devalue the employee, in the same way that people may be skeptical about buying something that is priced too low. When your plan is ready, make an appointment to meet with your boss. If you give well-documented reasons why you are valuable to the company, your boss may see you in a new, more positive light. You may not get quite as much as you requested, but your boss is likely to act in some way on the new, positively revised image of you as an employee. Your plan will allow you to be confi dent and will increase your chance of success.