Tips on asking for a payrise?

[mumtomoley]

I'm rubbish at these things! I've never asked for one before but I really need the extra money and I think, to put it plainly that I am worth more than I am paid :)

Any tips for how to ask for one?

[Tweet2tweet]

I am in the same position and found it very difficult to bring it up with my boss. What I would advise is that you stick to the facts. List how your job has developed/changed to justify any additional payments and present this to your boss in a professional and upbeat way. I did this in my annual appraisal but not sure it's going to get me anywhere.
My boss has a reputation for being quite mean and if there's money going they would take for themselves before anyone else. Regardless though, if you don't ask you don't get and know one is going to volunteer it for you.
Hope it goes well.

[mumtomoley]

Thanks for your reply tweet.
Our annual appraisals are done a few weeks after our annual payrises/bonuses are decided

So it would be a case of getting a meeting with my boss specifically to discuss a payrise. But I think I need to bring it up before payrises for 2012 are decided as if it's going to happen then it will be then.

My last decent payrise was about 4 years ago and I have had inflational increases since then only. What I know now, and therefore bring to the team compared to four years ago I think deserves a payrise! Also I know roughly what the rest of the team are on and I think I am paid comparitively lowly (other factors such as no of years service taken into account.)

I don't think I can bring this up though can I?

Also, if I don't get a payrise, I will have to look for another job but I'm guessing that won't swing it either

Hope you get yours tweet - let me know if you do!

[Numberlock]

mumtomoley Due to the timing of your various meetings - ie staff appraisal after pay rise meeting - I would request a separate meeting with your boss before pay is reviewed.

(In our organisation the financial year is October to September and pay is reviewed around now so if it is the same where you work, I would request the meeting asap.)

Otherwise, if you wait till your appraisal, your boss can get away with saying "Sorry, we've just reviewed salaries, you'll have to wait till next year".

As for what to discuss in the meeting itself:

I really need the extra money

I'm sure you wouldn't mention that in the meeting but keep that out of any discussion.

I know roughly what the rest of the team are on and I think I am paid comparitively lowly

I also wouldn't bring that up or that you will start looking for a new job if they don't give you a pay rise.

Instead, stick to the facts and give some good examples and facts based on this:

What I know now, and therefore bring to the team compared to four years ago I think deserves a payrise

Finally, if he says that he can only give you the inflation rise after your meeting, I would then ask "What would I have to do in order to significantly increase my role and pay within this organisation". It may be that, sadly, there's no chance of things changing whilst this boss is there. But at least you will know and be able to make your plans accordingly.

[mumtomoley]

Thanks Numberlock - I've done some extra work and solved a few potential cock ups that have saved the company some money, plus do quite a few extra checks on stuff so I think there is a reasonable argument for requesting more money.

I wouldn't obviously mention my salary compared to other employees but I just mean, in my head, there is potential for them to increase it assuming the money is available.

Our financial year starts in April which is when bonus/payrises are so I have a couple of months I think.

Thanks for your help.

In relation to your last point, I want to have this conversation with my manager anyway because inspite of the additional work I have been doing I have stagnated a bit and without moving to another team I can't see how I can move on at all.

[Numberlock]

I want to have this conversation with my manager anyway

In your position, I would request this meeting now. No need to wait until April.

Approach him however you would normally do so (eg phone, face to face, email, via his PA) and request an hour of his time to discuss your personal development.

Open the discussion by saying that you are very keen to develop your potential and would like to have a discussion on how you can achieve this together. Say that you would also like to request a salary review.

Then see what his response his.

Go armed with all the facts - dates, projects worked on, concrete examples, targets met, financial savings made etc etc. And steer the conversation into coming up with increased responsibilities, new projects etc.

Then move onto the salary issue. You should have a figure in mind that you want to achieve salary-wise. This may be based on what you know your fellow team members earn or you may have another idea. Be prepared to answer the question "How much more money are you looking for". And answer it in a very clear, direct way. "I think my current position is worth £xxxx" rather than floundering. (Practice beforehand with a friend, partner or mirror.)

The worse that happens is that he says there is no more money. Or that it cannot be reviewed until April. It is highly unlikely that he will think worse of you for asking. And if you come out with some new projects and responsibilities, you will have an even stronger case in April.

[pippop1]

Could you go into the meeting armed with ten typed bullet points as to why you deserve a payrise? Boss can show this to his/her boss as evidence and you won't forget one of the arguments in a stressful situation.

[ObsequiousBanter]

Numberlock gives a good strategy. I'd also add

• quantify savings to company or value of new work won to show that you have earned your keep
• don't feel awkward, embarrassed or ashamed. This can get in the way of negotiation. Your boss should respect that you've got the nous and sense to ask.
• negotiation skills are key to any job. Think about how they are relevant to you, then use it to justify asking. Something like "I don't know how typical it is for someone at my level to negotiate but negotiation is a skill you appreciate in my role (give examples) and its a skill I aim to apply to negotiating my own salary."