Seeking A Raise

Asking for a raise can be a pleasant and rewarding experience -- $cha-ching$. On the other hand, it can be a blow-out all the way to unemployment. Unfortunately, because no bosses are alike, there is no guaranteed formula to successfully ask for, and get, a raise.

Asking for a raise is a fine art requiring careful, prior, thought. Before getting down to the nitty gritty of actually approaching the boss and asking for a raise give this three-part process -- Things to Consider, Preparing Your Plan, Taking Action -- some consideration and decide what's best for your situation.

Things to Consider

• What is the employer's policy on raises?
• What are your reasons?
• How long have you worked there?
• How far are you willing to go?
• What compromises would you accept?

Preparing your plan

• Examine the company financially
• Prepare some arguments
• How have your contributions helped the company financially?
• Compare local salaries
• Rehearse

Taking action

• Make an appointment
• The Negotiations
• Be prepared for feedback about your performance