One of the most challenging things for employees to do is ask for a raise. In fact, more than 50 percent of people have gone their entire career without asking for a pay raise. It is hard to believe, but the underlying reason for many of these people is simply that they don’t feel comfortable or appropriate doing so.
Of course, it can be challenging to seek out an important conversation with the boss, but if you truly believe that you deserve it, then you should have no problem explaining yourself. The truth is that you actually have a rather reasonable request. Many employers want to pay their employees who do extraordinary work.
It is crucial that you go in knowing what you are asking for, but more importantly how you will ask for it. If you have exceeded expectations, made good impressions, and proved that you are capable of completing your work on time, then you should be asking for a raise. The best way to shake your jitters is to go in confident and well-prepared.
Go in as if you have called for a meeting, and be prepared to run it as such. Going in with a strategy will be very helpful because it doesn’t leave room for you to be questioned. Instead of waiting for your boss, you should take control and present the hard facts you prepared to back yourself. Prove yourself with your performance reports, goal charts, and even something proprietary that shows you are thinking ahead (as if you already have the promotion).
No matter if you are content with your current position and salary, it is beneficial for your career growth to consistently show the value that you bring. By displaying that you have a willingness to improve every day your bosses and managers will recognize that you are serious about your work. You will also gain a better understanding of yourself and your career goals when you have the ability to continually analyze your performance.
When you have a concrete understanding of your role, it will help those around you perform more efficiently. Having a strong grasp on your responsibilities makes it easier for others because they can determine how your parts play together. So, by doing great work, you can also have a hand in improving the overall function of your business.
While you show that you can do great work, it is also essential to acknowledge the work of your coworkers. It is important for you to recognize that without them completing their tasks every day, your hard work and success would not be possible. Your coworkers will appreciate hearing that you value them and their work.
When the outcome of your work can be affected by the work of others, it is a good idea to help your coworkers. If you see that a fellow worker is struggling, then you should do your best to help them out so that you both don’t fall behind. This also shows that you have the ability and want to improve more than just yourself.
Something that employers love to see is that you not only want to grow with the company but also in the industry. Staying up to date with trends and new discoveries or tools being used to optimize performance is an integral part of any business that wants to keep moving forward. Bosses and managers will notice if you can keep up without having to be asked.
Taking time out of your day to do these kinds of things will prove to any employer that you are serious about your work and worth keeping around.
Now take a look at this infographic for more great tips on proving your value at work:
