Getting the Raise you Deserve

By: Sarah Horner
March 23, 2009



Times are tough and the economy is hurting, many companies are looking for ways to cut costs, which is why unemployment levels are reaching new heights. Many people have lost their jobs or those who are lucky have only experienced a pay freeze or cut as of now.

It may seem farfetched, but even in this terrible economy, it is still possible to get a raise. Gerri Willis, Host of CNN’s open house talks about a number of ways you can get the raise you deserve even in these tough times, in her article entitled, Even now its Possible to get a Raise.

A raise at any time throughout your career is great, although there are many factors you must consider before confronting your boss. First, you must consider the value you add to your company, your worth as an employee depends on your contribution, so if you think you are doing the bare minimum, it is unlikely that your boss will consider you worthy of a raise.

A great way to confront your boss about a possible pay increase is to stress the value you add, not your needs. When you enter a meeting with your boss, be prepared. You should have hard evidence of your contribution to the firm as well as solid reasoning as to why you think you deserve a raise. Also, remember to keep it professional, whining or begging is inappropriate although persistence is sometimes necessary.

If you get the raise, great, however if you don’t, you could perhaps ask for other benefits, maybe you can ask to work from home sometimes or you can ask if your boss will meet with you again in a few months to discuss the possibility of a raise again after he can review your commitment to the job.

References:

http://money.cnn.com/2009/03/23/pf/saving/raise_willis/index.htm?postversion=2009032310

http://www.careerknowhow.com/advancement/raise.htm