Categories

Content Type

Sources

Getting more; It's a much better year to ask for a raise

By Emily Hughey Quinn, Source: Tribune Media Services

At this time in the world economy, you may be happy just to have a job. And rightly so, but if you find yourself craving increased responsibilities — and rewards — at work, fear not. Despite the economic crisis, 2010 is a better year than the last to ask for a promotion.

According to a survey by Stamford, Conn., financial consultancy Towers Perrin almost two-thirds of companies that froze salary budgets this year will unfreeze them in 2010.

Once you’re comfortable with the idea that you deserve a step up in salary and responsibility, Sandra Naiman, author of “The High Achiever’s Secret Codebook: The Unwritten Rules for Success at Work” (Jist, $14.95), suggests setting an appointment with the appropriate people and letting them know ahead of time what you want to discuss.

Next, be prepared with a chronicle of your accomplishments and give concrete examples of how you’ve already demonstrated you’re competent to take on the next level. Third, Naiman says, focus on the needs of the company and how much you will contribute in your new position.

“Share ideas and let your enthusiasm show,” Naiman says. “Show that you are excited about the work, not the money and status.”

In some companies, salaries still may be frozen, rendering a raise impossible. In that case, Naiman suggests being willing to take a change in job title only. “The raise can be negotiated later, and good performance on the job will provide you with leverage,”

Naiman says. “You might be able to ask for other perks such as extra vacation days, or a company-paid cell or BlackBerry.”

Money talk

However, for those who work for companies that will be giving monetary raises in 2010, it’s time to proceed with what Bahaudin Mujtaba, associate professor of management at the Huizenga School of Business at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., calls the ABCs of getting a raise.

“Assess your market value; build a case to get more income; and choose or create the right opportunity to ask for a raise,” he says.

Before you discuss salary with your manager, research salary data in your city and industry.

“You get paid based on what your expertise and time are worth to others in the market,” Mujtaba says. “Assess your situation to make sure you have earned a raise or promotion.”

Also, he says, track your success and document it, making it easier for your boss to see your contributions and the value in giving you a raise. Most importantly, remember you’re asking for a raise because you deserve it, not because you need it.

“A desperate need for money does not equate to being worthy of a raise. Do not confuse what you need with what you are worth in the marketplace,” Mujtaba advises. “Keep the discussion with your manager about your work performance, your qualifications for more income and your overall value to the organization.”

Try, try again

And if, by chance, you don’t get the promotion, all is not lost.

“Keep in mind that in many cases a ‘no’ response is getting you one step closer to the affirmative answer,” Mujtaba says. “The ‘no’ answer should lead to the question of ‘Why and/or what can I do to earn a raise in the next opportunity?’ ”

While you await the next opportunity to ask for a promotion or raise, stay positive. “Even if you do not get the promotion this time, you have planted the seed,” Naiman says. “Continue to be a valued performer and colleague.”

“Aim strategically and realistically,” Mujtaba says. “Eventually you will get there.”

Promotion prep work

Naiman believes you should start asking for a promotion to the next level when you take a job at your current level.

“You know you are ready to ask for a promotion when you have done the (below) and consistently demonstrated your competence to yourself and others,” Naiman says. Here are her steps to a surefire promotion.

Establish a reputation for doing quality work and being cooperative, a team player and pleasant to work with.

Engage with people at all levels of the organization because you never know who might be a champion — or a saboteur.

Develop yourself into the next job. Once you set your sights on a promotion, ideally long before you are ready to ask for it, observe the job and the competencies required to do it well. Take advantage of any and all developmental opportunities, including on-the-job.

Call attention to your accomplishments and contributions without turning people off. Let people know what you can do without appearing to be self-promoting. Ask for advice about a project or problem that allows you to demonstrate what you already know. You can also offer support and advice to others.

Get others talking about you. If you can establish mentoring relationships, your mentors will champion you and help create a “buzz” in the company. It is usually not wise to directly ask others to blow your horn for you, but by developing solid relationships and going out of your way to help people, you increase the likelihood that they will talk about you and your abilities.

When appropriate, take on the tasks of the job you are aiming for. Be careful not to step on any professional toes, but be alert to opportunities to demonstrate you can do the job. Perhaps you can lead a special project or support your boss in writing a proposal.

© 2009, Tribune Media Services