how to negotiate a raise
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CAREER CORNER 1.800.973.1177
PAGE 1 continued on back
Experts say there are important rules to
follow in securing a raise. To begin with,
employees should not ask for raises unless
they have been at the company for at least a
year or more. Other issues to consider are a
self evaluation of performance, timing, the
approach, and alternative options to a pay
increase such as more vacation days, flexible
work arrangements, or stock options.
It is imperative for employees to have a firm
grasp of their job description and the com-
pensation policies, experts say. Self evalua-
tion is an important first-step in deciding to
ask for a raise. Understanding one’s worth is
essential. Jack Chapman, a Career & Salary
Coach and founder of www.salarynegotia-
tons.com, stated, “an employee must look
at what is special and unique about their job
performance; that is what a boss will pay
for.”
Experts recommend that employees review
their accomplishments and be prepared to
discuss how and why they have added value
to the company. Keeping a job diary is an ex-
cellent way of maintaining a record of one’s
accomplishments.
Successful research will assist an individual
asking for a raise, experts say. Review what
others in the same position in and out-
side the organization make. Mr. Chapman
recommends utilizing the Internet. “Jobstar.
org has the mother load of online salary
surveys,” he said.
Timing is critical. Planning ahead will help in
achieving the desired result. Experts advise
that employees should be aware of internal
and external pressures such as the financial
stability of the company and the current state
of the economy.
Employees should find out if their organiza-
tion has a scheduled time period for making
raise requests, experts advise. Mr. Chapman
suggests drafting a memo and handing it in
a few weeks before the employee would like
to schedule the meeting to discuss a raise
request. He stated, “the memo should be no
more then a page and should list your targets
and goals.”
The status of the business can play a key role
in whether it is an appropriate time to ask for
a raise. If the business is doing well, this can
prove an opportune time to try to reap the
benefits of the company’s success.
If an employee has recently experienced a
major achievement, such as winning a case,
this can also be a superb time to ask for a
raise, according to Mr. Chapman. Another
great time is if an employee has been handed
additional responsibilities or an annual
review is pending.
Understanding the culture of the office, as
well as the bosses’ personality, plays heavily
into the effectiveness of the approach. The
specific tactics used should be dictated by
the character of the boss, the employee’s
relationship to the boss, and the general
culture of the business environment.
Career coaches stress the importance of
anticipating what reactions a supervisor
may have. Knowing what to expect can be a
tremendous aid in handling the overall situ-
ation.
Mr. Chapman suggested some things not
to do when requesting a raise. “Do not talk
about how you need this or need that. Sym-
pathy doesn’t work with lawyers. Do not give
ultimatums and don’t threaten to quit.”
The employee’s attitude is extremely
significant, experts say. Weakness never
looks good, but neither does arrogance.
An employee should be prepared to sup-
port his or her reasons for wanting a raise
and gracefully handle whatever decision is
made. Maintaining a confident, professional,
positive attitude, as well as having the cor-
rect information to support the request, will
facilitate a successful interaction.
If a request for a raise is denied, career
consultants advise that an employee should
suggest some alternatives such as extra
vacation days or stock options. If this is not
an option, employees should consider look-
ing for new employment where their financial
needs will be satisfied.
Employees willing to remain with the com-
pany despite the lack of a raise should ask
their employers what improvements they
can make in their performances. Positive
changes may result in a raise in a subse-
quent year.
Mr. Chapman suggests an exercise that can
improve the chances of receiving a raise. An
employee should sit down with his or her
How to Negotiate a Raise[by Karen A. Lefkowitz]
All lawyers attempt to master the art of negotiation. Although frequently they use the art to further the interest of a client, lawyers sometimes need to nego-
tiate for themselves. That is especially true when the goal is a raise.
CAREER CORNER 1.800.973.1177
PAGE 2
boss and have the boss list what is involved
with the employee’s job and rate the position
on two scales: how well the employee is
performing each job duty, and how important
each duty is. The employee should fill out
his or her own version of the list. After the
two lists have been completed, both parties
should compare notes. Afterward, the em-
ployee should make sure he or she is from
this point forward on the same wavelength
as the boss. “This one thing will make an
employee stand out from the crowd,” Mr.
Chapman said.
Employees’ demonstration that they are
worth higher compensation should literally
eventually pay out.
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