Originally authored by April Klimkiewicz at Bliss Evolution
Getting a raise isn't as easy as sauntering into your boss's office and demanding more money for all the hard work you do. It takes planning and preparation. You have to be strategic not only about negotiating salary but also about preparing for the best time to ask so you raise your chances of getting the raise.
Below, I've laid out a "Get a Raise Timeline" for you so you can start planning to get everything in order to get a raise.
6 Months Out: Step up
Showing that you’ve done your job and done it well is not enough. What are some additional tasks you could take on that would be above and beyond your job description? Taking on additional work (especially work that is somewhat above your current position’s level) is a great way to show you take initiative and care about helping to meet the goals of the organization.
Already slammed? Demonstrate you’re not just completing your work, but completing it in a superior manner that supports clients, saves dollars, or benefits the organization in some other meaningful way.
3 Months Out: Plan Ahead
Start keeping a spreadsheet of projects that demonstrate you are ready for an increase in responsibility and raise. Brainstorm projects, events and work you’ve completed superiorly.
1 Month Out: Do Your Research
If you’re unsure of the market value for your job title in a given city, head over to salary.com and glassdoor.com to research. You’ll find a lot of helpful information about average and median salaries in your desired location. Having this type of information on hand will make you more confident that you are asking for something reasonable when you are negotiating.
Your employer may not be aware of this information, and it could help you both bridge the gap between what you’re worth and what you’re currently making.
2 Weeks Out: Get Your Proof in Order
Compile any documents that would support you getting paid more. Maybe the average salary in your area for the work you do is higher than what you’re getting paid, so you want to print out documentation from salary.com. Maybe you’re going above and beyond the expectation of the job title you’ve been hired for, so you want to showcase work in a digital portfolio. Maybe there is a list of projects you’d like to bring to the meeting to discuss.
Any proof that demonstrates your killer work ethic, superior skill set, or your exceptional ability to take initiative should be included!
30 Minutes Out: Prepare for the Meeting
Getting ready to walk into the negotiation meeting is scary. As women, many of us have been taught we should be happy with what we’re offered and make the best out of a given situation. If this is how you typically think, I want you to remember this: You’ve earned this! You’ve worked hard for the opportunity to get paid what you’re worth. You’ve contributed a lot to this organization. It’s in their best interest to keep you around and keep you happy.
Before your meeting, sit quietly, take a few long, slow, deep breaths, and think about all the good qualities you have to contribute. Get your head in a place where you feel confident and excited about the ability to do this fantastic work while getting paid what you’re worth.
Ready, Set, Get a Raise!
Setting yourself up for a successful conversation when you're asking for a raise is important. You've got the plan, now all you need to do is implement it!