| With the state of the current economy, it is highly | | | | company, these skills will make you more valuable |
| unlikely your boss will call you into his or her office | | | | to your next employer. |
| and give you a raise unless you initiate the | | | | Don't worry about getting fired. The cost of hiring |
| negotiations yourself. Asking for a raise is a | | | | and training your replacement will cost much more |
| nerve-wracking task, but by utilizing the following | | | | than your raise, so don't weaken your argument |
| strategies you will increase your chances of | | | | by expecting the worst. Be confident in your |
| increasing your pay and getting what you want. | | | | request and don't worry about being let go. |
| Know what you're worth. Look for information | | | | Anticipate objections. Try to think about possible |
| regarding compensation for your type of position | | | | worries or problems your boss will bring up when |
| in the marketplace. This can be done by | | | | you ask for a raise. Counter these objections and |
| contacting other companies or search firms and | | | | include them in your initial statement. By easing |
| finding job advertisements. There is usually space | | | | their minds about potential issues right away, it will |
| between what you are making and what the | | | | be harder for your boss to decline your request. |
| market says you can earn, so if you have | | | | Base your request on job performance. In today's |
| worked for the same company for several years | | | | economy, employers are concerned with how |
| you should feel good about your request. Do not | | | | your performance will advance their organization. |
| be discouraged to ask for a raise if you find that | | | | Arguments about equal pay or big expenses |
| you are already making what the market says | | | | coming up will not get you the result you're |
| you're worth. | | | | looking for. |
| Be specific. Ask for a raise of a certain size | | | | Bring proof of what you've done for the |
| rather than a raise in general. Leaving the request | | | | organization. You'll need to have documentation to |
| open-ended will be less likely to yield the desired | | | | verify your job performance. Key a file of all your |
| result. | | | | job evaluations and performance reviews to use |
| Determine how you can become more valuable. | | | | in these types of situations. |
| Take on additional responsibilities or discover new | | | | Don't be aggressive. Do not give your boss any |
| projects that will make your more valuable to | | | | ultimatums or threats. If your request is denied |
| your boss. Cross train into new positions or take | | | | you can then evaluate whether you want to stay |
| classes to further your education and enhance | | | | or leave, and you will stay on good terms with |
| your skill set. If you do decide to move to a new | | | | your boss. |