Asking for a raise is never an easy thing to do. As a result, many employees find themselves feeling resentful of their workload and their bosses. Unhappy workers are not liable to do their best work. In order to avoid similar experiences, take note of this tried and true method. Find out how tracking your job description can help you obtain a raise.
Note the Changes
Most of the time, the job you’re doing a year or more into your employment looks different than the initial job description from when you were hired. Responsibilities shift as companies expand and grow. Use this fact as leverage when you negotiate a raise. Save the initial list of duties you were hired to do. Over time, add your new responsibilities to that list. When you feel it’s time for a raise, look up job titles that best match up with your current responsibilities. Take note of what those jobs are paying. You can use this information when you meet with your boss. Ultimately, your pay should reflect any new responsibilities you’re undertaking.
Presentation
A portion of your success will depend on how you present your information to your boss. Choosing appropriate timing and terminology can help with that. If you’re comfortable with it, try using the words ‘pay adjustment’ instead of ‘raise’. Explain that when you began your job, you were being paid in accordance with the job description. As your role in the company has evolved, or as you’ve taken on more responsibility, you need to be compensated to reflect the changes. When you engage in conversations of this nature, it’s important that you be very clear and concise. Stick to the facts. Tactfully let your employer know that you would be paid more money at another job for doing the same job. You can even cite examples of job listings to help drive this point home.
Highlight Yourself
To a certain degree, you’re going to have to sell yourself. Convince your boss that you deserve an adjustment in pay. Shine a spotlight on all the things you’ve accomplished throughout your employment. An article written by Marci Martin for businessnewsdaily.com elaborates by saying, “List your accomplishments from the past six months, the year and your lifetime with the company. Describe how your accomplishments have positively impacted your department and company as a whole; provide specific numbers and statistics if possible.” Sometimes all the words in the world won’t sway a person, but data and analytics will. Utilize this strategy in order reiterate your worth to the company. If you desire, you can also explain to your boss what they will get out of retaining you as an employee. Tell them your professional goals for the future and let them know how their company fits into your plans.
Asking for a raise can be intimidating, but don’t let that stop you from doing it anyway. You deserve to be fairly compensated for the job you’re doing.