How to ask for a raise

You’ve crunched your budget numbers and you can’t realistically shave any more off of your household spending. Now you’ve got to look at the cash flow side of your balance sheet, but status quo is probably not going to cut it.

You could get a part time job, maybe? But if you’ve already got a full time job and a family- your hours to spare may be far and few between.

What about asking for a raise at work? Is that a possibility? Have you received a raise recently? How are your work record and or contributions in the workplace? If you think this is a possibility, develop a plan.  You can’t just march into your boss’s office, demand a raise and expect the result you want. It’s a little more strategic.

Do you deserve a raise?

As hard as it may be, attempt to answer this question objectively. You’ve got to play devil’s advocate here. This can help you sharpen your argument. Go through your achievements and specific contributions to your workplace over the last several months. Include measurable items and intangibles too- like leadership and initiative.

Role play

The best way to counter objections? Determine what might be said- and what you’ll say back ahead of time.

Rehearse scenarios and consider how you’ll respond. You don’t want to be taken by surprise.

Be prepared to negotiate

What would you be willing to accept? You might get what you ask for, but there might be a number of other factors present (like budget for instance) which might make your desired amount unlikely.

What number would you be willing to accept? Would you be willing to have other benefits in lieu, like extra vacation days or other company perks?

And if the answer is no….

For a variety of reasons, the answer may unequivocally be no. You’ve got to be ready to keep the situation from getting really awkward, really fast. Don’t get confrontational.  Don’t be visibly disappointed.

If your boss is open, make plans to revisit the conversation in the future.