Suggestions Needed

I'm hopeless in this area. Good luck.

Asking for a raise

First ask to meet with the your boss for maybe 30mins. Have it be something scheduled and on their calendar. When you get in there start with some thing like " I just wanted to speak to you about my performance. I have been here for 'X' months and think that I have made some significant contributions to the company and made a lot of progress in my performance in that time." You then need to have examples of both your contributions and performance gains. Be specific and use concrete examples. You can finish up with "In light of this, I was hoping that there might be a way to reflect this progress in my salary." If you are respectful and not demanding, you've got a shot.
-April

Re: Asking for a raise

Thanks for the tip. I actually had a conversation a few weeks ago that didn't go as I had hoped. It started similarly to how you suggested. My company says they don't adjust salary based upon past accomplishments, but upon taking on additional responsibility. In light of constantly being bored at work, I asked to take on additional responsiblity, and I kind of got the brush off. Boss seemed very happy with my performance so far, but was reluctant to give me "more responsibility" in those words, as far as I could tell, probably because they are aware of this very fact. I'm very confident it's not because they don't think I'm capable of more... I know they know I am. Anyway, the conversation ended before I got my chance to ask for an increase.

Basically, you have to give them reasons to "justify" giving you a raise. Show them things that you've changed or improved, testimonials from other (or from themselves, like emails). Indicate why you're worth more money.

Definitely don't take no for an answer. If they won't commit to a raise at that moment, ask them when they'll make a decision. Or if they say that they aren't giving raises at this moment, ask them if a review in two months would be alright.

Don't ever mention that you need more money for some reason (medical, hourse, etc.) -- that's not their problem. You aren't asking them for a favor, you're asking them for a fair payment for your ever-more valuable services.

Comparitive research can be useful, too, if brought up tactfully (i.e. people in my position usually make X after a two years, etc. etc.)

The very best time to ask for a raise is at the time they're giving you more responsibility, but that's usually the time people don't ask, because they're flattered by the attention, and busy with the new work.

All good advice, thank you. I definitely have things laid out in my mind, from my imporovement to my responsibilities, to a comparison of rates, based upon research I have done. My biggest problem, which I'm still trying to figure out, is how to bring up the first sentence. Once the discussion goes, I have my reasons, I think (although I always get screwed)... but I really don't have my opening sentence. Any more suggestions? Thanks!

Pretend you're not there to talk about yourself. Pretend you're a concerned parent at Parent teacher night -- you're there to be an advocate for Debbie, who isn't getting what she ought to.

I've seen how courageous and generous you can be for others. So, pretend you're doing this for someone else. Head in and say, "Boss, I'm glad you've taken the time to meet with me. I'd like to discuss my salary with you, and see if we can come to some sort of agreement."

I mean, who can say no to wanting to "come to some sort of agreement"?

Hmmm... I like it. You're right. There's always a way to phrase something that the other person finds it hard to say no too. They may not do exactly what I want, but you're correct when ask "who can say no to wanting to 'come to some sort of agreement?'" Thanks again.