Asking for a pay rise is awkward at the best of times. Take into account we’re in the middle of a recession and it may feel like you’re waging an up hill battle. However, that doesn’t mean you should be accepting less than you’re worth!
Roz Urbahn, HR Manager for Hudson New Zealand and Australia, knows a thing or two when it comes to broaching this awkward subject with the boss. We asked her to spill her top tips for getting a pay rise in tough economic times…
Know your worth
The first step you need to do is some market research to make sure you are being paid what you are worth. There are surveys that are easily accessible on the net so you can work out an approximate dollar value for your level of experience and the role you are in. If there is a gap between what you are getting paid and what you think you should be getting paid, then you can move on to the next step.
If the money is availableSet up a time to meet with your manager and set out the facts about why you are asking for a pay rise. Don’t surprise them! Let them know in advance what you want to chat about so they don’t feel backed into a corner. You want to be professional and non-emotive. This is your chance to provide black & white facts about the work you have done that you believe means you deserve to be on a higher salary/package.
Keep an open mind
Make sure you go into any salary discussion with an open mind. If you don’t get a positive response the first time, it does not mean it won’t eventually happen. Sometimes you just have to take it in steps and explain why you are asking for one. Just as you want to feel listened to, you also need to make sure that your manager feels heard too.
Don’t compare salaries with your peers
Don’t compare salaries with your peersOne basic rule of thumb: someone will always be paid more than you and someone will always be paid less, so no-one wins in those conversations! Don’t compare your salary to someone else in the office. The information may not be correct as most people will say they are getting more than they are – especially after a few drinks! Don’t use that information as a weapon when in salary discussions, it does you no favours. A salary discussion is all about you and not about what the other people in the office are on.
Focus on your personal brand
Make sure that you present yourself in the best possible manner so you stand out from the crowd. Put some thought into how you come across. Can you put more effort in? Are there times that you could be more proactive? Those things all go a long way to setting you up for the next promotion or job opportunity. If you support other people to be successful then you’ll find you have a fan club when it’s your turn.
It might not be about the salary
The way our economy is going right now, it might not be as simple as asking for a pay rise and getting one. Don’t take it personally if you get a ‘no’, most employers will be looking at ways to be smart with their money. Now is a fabulous time to be creative, so instead of asking for a pay rise why not ask to be cross-trained in other areas so you are adding to your worth. It’s a win-win situation, your skills increase and your employer gets an employee who is developing!
There are loads of ways you can increase your package when a pay rise is simply not an option your employer has currently got. Think of things like additional training, project work, networking opportunities or working in other locations or other roles for a period of time that will increase your value and look great on your CV. That way you position yourself really well for when your manager is able to pull out their wallet!
Compiled by Liselle Finlay
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