ASKING for a raise can be very intimidating. This may be for a plethora of reasons, including fear that your employer thinks you are unappreciative of what you are paid; or you just don’t want the boss to get the impression that you think that you are being underpaid (even if you are). However, when push comes to shove, sometimes we really need that extra top-up on our salaries. Should you ever find yourself in the position of asking for a raise, bear these in mind:

1 Evaluation

First, do some evaluation of your performance at work. Look into what you do and make sure that you are truly deserving of that raise you intend to ask for. If you are not going above and beyond at work, you probably shouldn’t be asking for a raise. If you are, make sure your boss sees.

2 Timing

Timing, they say, is everything. So make sure you ask at the right time. On the grand scale, consider the time raises are normally granted, as well as the financial position of your organisation. Use this as a guide. Other than that, it makes no sense to ask your employer for a raise when he is in a bad mood. Be strategic and make sure to ask when he is in a good mood.

3 Be prepared to answer why you want a raise

You must be prepared to answer this question. Your boss will want to know why you want a raise; even if in your mind it is obvious. If you need to write it down and rehearse it, do so, as you must convince your employer that you deserve the raise.

4 Be confident

Confidence is very important in asking for a raise. You must approach your employer with an air of confidence. If you are timid, you may not get what you want, because even if you deserve it, some employers may not grant it to you. Be cautious, however, not to appear cocky or overconfident.

5 Don’t give your boss an ultimatum

Never threaten your boss. This most times puts your boss on the defensive and hurts you. Don’t threaten to leave. This is a sign of overconfidence and your employer might decide that it is better that you go. You don’t want your employer to be an enemy; you want him on your side.

6 Outline future benefits you plan to add to the company

You must prove to your employer that his adding cash to your salary will add extra value to the organisation. So you need to explain what you will add to the company and future prospects or initiatives or projects you plan to take on.

7 Choose your words wisely

Sometimes it is not necessarily what is said, but how it is said. So make sure you phrase your request very carefully. Your words should project confidence, respect, as well as seriousness.

8 Be realistic

Don’t go asking for a quadrupling of your salary, or for something negligible. Your offer should strike a balance. It should reflect that you know your worth, as well as that you don’t overvalue yourself.

9 Have a plan B

You must anticipate what could happen if you are denied. Think of alternatives that you could accept if he says ‘no’ to adding cash to your salary. This might be added benefits, a bonus, flexible work hours, or even extra projects that you could take on to show that you are committed to the company. You could enquire of your employer what you could do to lead to a raise in the near future just to show that you really want the raise.

10 Be prepared to move on

If indeed you think that you deserve more and your employer is not prepared to offer you that, be prepared to move on. Sometimes we have to make hard decisions. Don’t leave bitter or with anger. Just explain to your employer that you must move on. Perhaps he/she might grant you that increase when he/she sees that you are serious.

— Aldane Walters