There is obviously a right and wrong way to ask for a raise. Then again, there’s not asking at all, which is an entirely different conversation. In this article, we’re focusing on what not to do when asking for a salary raise from your boss.
In a perfect world, we’d be fairly compensated for the work we do and get raises whenever we excelled at work, without even having to ask. But things don’t work like that in the real world. Most of the time, we have to ask for a raise or a promotion, make a case for why we deserve it and do so in a way that’s sensible to the boss. So if you don’t ask for a raise, you’re probably not going to get one through wishful thinking.
Even though asking for a raise is easier said than done, it is good to push yourself out of that comfort zone and possibly into a higher tax bracket by making your case for more money. Your current earnings will most likely impact your salary at your next job, so if it’s something you’ve been avoiding, it might be time to get that conversation on your boss’s calendar.
On the other hand, asking for a raise is not something you can do more than once. So you have to make that one shot count and do it right once your manager agrees to meet with you. This is why it’s important to avoid these mistakes when asking for a raise if you want to improve your chances of getting that salary bump you’re hoping for.
1. Failing to prepare
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not preparing enough or doing their research before asking for a raise. You can’t just walk in there with nothing but vibes and Inshallah to back up your request. You need to know your worth, your contributions to the company, and your accomplishments. Gather data on your achievements and make a case for why you deserve a raise. The key to any negotiation, and a successful one at that, is preparation and research. Before even bringing up the matter to your boss, make sure you have the answers to these questions, “How well does your company pay versus other organizations?” and “What do the competitors offer people like you?”
Aside from researching sites like Glassdoor and PayScale, make sure you also get more relevant information from people within your industry. If you can’t get the info from people in your workplace, contact others in similar roles within other organizations. Now is the time to put your networking contacts to work (especially those you’ve turned into meaningful professional relationships). Other professionals who can help include your former professors, headhunters, and recruiters. Now is the time to put that investigative hat on.
Read also: Should I Keep My Salary a Secret?
2. Making it personal
When asking for a raise, avoid focusing on your personal needs or financial difficulties. I know it can be tempting to throw in some personal info when you feel like you’ve used all your cards, like how your landlord increased your rent or that you have another child on the way. But I promise you, the company does not really care about that. Everyone is dealing with stuff and a guilt trip will rarely inspire your boss to give you that raise. Instead, focus on your facts, performance, achievements, and value to the company. Explain how a raise will benefit the company, not just you.
After doing the research, prepare your argument in the company’s language. Make it clear how you’ve added value in a quantifiable way. Numbers don’t lie, especially at work. Talk about how many of your customer calls you’ve converted into increased business or how much money you’ve brought in through sales. Catch my drift?
3. Keeping things unprofessional
It's important to remain professional when asking for a raise. Don't make demands or threats, and avoid being confrontational. If your request is met with a soul-crushing “no” you might be tempted to give your boss an ultimatum like, “If you don’t increase my pay, I’m out.” This is a huge mistake and you may end up walking out without a job altogether. It’s natural to get emotional or heated when your request for a raise is denied, but don’t let that get the best of you. Try to keep your cool and approach the conversation calmly and respectfully.
A salary negotiation should be a conversation and not a fight. You can’t give ultimatums, and there can’t be a tone of resentment or entitlement, if you want things to go positively.
4. Not knowing the right time
Timing is everything when it comes to asking for a raise. If your company is going through budget cuts or your boss has too much on their plate, it may not be the best time to ask for a raise. Wait for the right time when your boss is receptive and open to discussing your compensation.
This also applies to asking for a raise when your performance hasn’t exactly been the best. If you just screwed up on a project and you walk into your manager’s office asking for a raise, they’re going to think you’re mad. Time your request when you’ve been giving top-notch performance so your boss at least thinks, “Yeah, this person has definitely been putting in high-quality work that’s worthy of a raise.”
5. Being inflexible
It's important to be flexible when negotiating a raise. Don't be too rigid in your expectations, and be open to compromise. Many people tend to focus solely on the salary (I mean that is what you’re there for after all), but there are other perks you can get as an alternative. If your boss cannot meet your expectations in terms of salary, consider other benefits like flexible working hours, remote working days, or extra vacation time. Think about what would at least make you happier at work in the long run and advance your career so you can do your job better. It’s worth trying for and better than nothing.
Bonus: Not asking at all
How long have you been thinking of asking for a raise but have never actually done it? Probably months or even years, right? Did you know this in itself is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when asking for a raise?
I know, I know, asking for money can feel uncomfortable sometimes, but if you don’t do it, you’re missing out. You can’t just sit around dreaming that more money will magically come into your bank account. You have to be proactive and take initiative. Make the decision to ask for a raise from your employer and fight for the compensation that aligns with the contributions you’re making to the company. It’s never easy to do but if you go for it, make sure you have a solid plan of attack. Do your research, make a strong case, and have a backup plan in case your boss refuses. It’s much better than winging it and risking any of the above mistakes.
And even if your boss says no, know that you are more than just a number and it is not attached to your value. Asking for a raise isn’t just a move you make for yourself, it increases the bar for everyone.
Read also: Top 5 Strategies for Getting a Salary Raise
