Everyone reaches the point when they want to negotiate a salary increase with their employer. Of course, this kind of a situation can be uncomfortable for many people, but you can truly make a difference for your career if you know what you’re doing and the best way to do it. In that respect, you may find the following tips very helpful.
Ask for an increase because you know you deserve it, not because you need it
A salary negotiation should focus on the value you provide to the company. The fact that you need more money for whatever personal reason is not relevant within your workplace. Therefore, do not let the negotiation be based on whether you need more money or not. For your employer it is irrelevant what you want your raise for – the important thing here is that the salary increase you’re asking for matches the increase in value you give at work.
Remember that you are negotiating the value of your work, not your value as a person
Many people view their income as a value of them as individuals. This is problematic. It is true that your work is a form of expression, and surely you put a lot of effort into it, but that doesn’t mean that you’re worth less if you don’t get a raise. There are many reasons why you may not be offered an increase, which have nothing to do with your intrinsic value.
Do not compare your salary with that of your co-workers
In order to negotiate a salary increase properly stay away from comparing yourself to others. This is one of the worst reasons you can give to your employer and frankly, it’s completely irrelevant. Focus on the value of your work for the company.
Be prepared to get specific about the raise amount you seek
If you’re ready to ask for a raise then you should at least know how much of a raise you are looking for. Having a percentage range is quite effective in negotiating an increase because it shows initiative and flexibility on your part. Just don’t opt for an impossible raise amount or a percentage that is just too large. As a rule of thumb, 5% to 15% is an acceptable range for a salary increase.
Keep track of your achievements and contributions to the company
Remember that your negotiation is about the value you bring. It is possible that the person with whom you negotiate needs a small reminder of the best things you have done for the company, so it is important that you bring some kind of a record of completed projects, acquired talents or other accomplishments or contributions you have made for the company.
Let your employer make the first offer
If your employer doesn’t want to start the salary negotiation first and demands you do it, make a joke and say you are looking for, “1 million dollars. The high value you said as a joke moves the negotiation back to them. Follow up your joke with a question such as, “what do you feel I am worth”.
Find the right time to negotiate a salary increase
For example, if you know that the company has just lost one of its largest customers, it is probably a bad time to negotiate an increase. On the other hand, if you know that the company has just acquired a large client, or is beginning to grow substantially, it is probably a good time to negotiate a salary increase.
Finding the right career is the first and most essential step in your search for work fulfillment as well as promotions and pay raise. This is where Systems Personnel can help you. You can always address our job listings for a possible fit as well as contact us with any questions you may have.
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