How to ask for a pay rise
We all knew it was coming (hello inflation!) but maybe not at the rate at which it has.
Combine that with the looming recession being plastered everywhere (thanks to news channels) and constant reminders about the rising cost of living and no wonder it’s led people to want or need to ask their employer for a pay rise.
With this in mind, we are sharing some tips on preparing for the big question. We hope it helps.
- Ask for a meeting
You may want to give your employer prior notice that you would like to schedule a meeting to discuss your job and review your pay. This will give all parties time to prepare.
- Do you know your value?
Well now is the time to find it. Make a list of the things you do in your role, highlighting your strengths and how you add value to the business. What makes you unique in your role? What do you do better than others? What problems do you solve?
- Do you have examples of exceptional service?
Are there examples of when you have gone out of your way for the benefit of the business? Are there times you have saved the business money, or assisted a colleague? Trained or assisted more junior employees? Have a brainstorm and sell yourself.
- What do you need to achieve?
When was your salary scheduled to be reviewed? Ask your employer what you need to accomplish, for it to be brought forward and achieved. Is there anything you could be doing better to make you a more valuable employee?
- Job objectives
Have a workflow planned for the company going forward. Are there weaknesses in the business which you have noticed and can create a plan of action for? How do you plan to make the most out of your role to benefit the company? What problems do you plan to solve for them?
- Schedule a review
If the company is not happy to offer you a pay rise at this time, ask them for a timescale and a list of goals to hit and book a review. Set clear objectives and a time frame to achieve them.
- Are they able to?
It is also worth remembering that businesses are also being impacted and they may not be able to afford a pay increase. Are there any benefits that you would consider, that outweigh this? For example, would more remote working days save you money? A bonus incentive? Are there training courses that may be valuable for career progression, that they could pay for or subsidise? Could you negotiate a 4-day work week at the current salary?
If you are greeted with several objections and no negotiation and you’ve tried all the above and it’s a clear no, it may be time to move on and give us a call. We can help you take all the superpowers you have highlighted and apply them to a new opportunity within a new company. We can assist you with outlining these skills on your CV, discussing your strengths and values and ultimately placing you in the right working environment, with the salary you deserve and a clear progression plan.
Give us a call for a confidential and friendly chat.
hello@nextlevelrecruitment.co.uk
01789 700021