Who doesn’t want to get a raise? Am I right? Imagine if you could get a raise without even asking. Well, this is possible if you follow the 19 tips I’ll outline in this post.
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17 ways to get a raise at work (sometimes, without even asking!)
1. Continue your education
Learning a new skill or becoming more knowledgeable in your current field will help you get a leg up on the competition. When it comes time to hand out raises and promotions, your boss will look at who has performed the best, improved the most, and is the most qualified person for the job. In addition, you can gain an advantage over your peers by having completed a course to further your education.
You can take a class at a community college or complete an online course too. Depending on the size of the company you work for, you may find that your employer will actually pay for your courses. Even if they don’t, expenses spent on furthering your education are a tax deduction at filing time.
2. Get along with your co-workers
Yes, your co-workers are technically your competition for that new position that just opened up in management. But in the workplace, you must hold your friends close but your enemies closer.
Be the person who is well-liked around the office to boost your reputation as a person who gets along with everybody. Remember, it’s not just your abilities that get you a raise; it’s your attitude.
3. Exceed expectations
Don’t just do your job, but exceed what is expected out of you. Do work that is outside your job description. Do the work of two people to show just how valuable you are to the company. When management begins to take notice, you may not be paid the salary of two people, but you’ll set yourself up for a nice raise.
Many people complain about how they show up to work every day, do their job, and never get a raise. Well, I tell them, why would you? You’re just doing the job you’re paid to do. So if you want to get paid more, do more.
4. Study your profession
Get on your smartphone and research a bit about the field you work in. Look at the business from the eyes of the business owner. Then, read an article or two about the challenges this field faces and how to overcome them.
If you can hold a conversation with your boss about the state of the industry or offer fresh business ideas, they will take notice. Your boss will see you not as a lowly employee but rather as an equal who is overqualified for their current position.
5. Tell your boss what you want
How are you expected to be considered for a promotion if you haven’t made your opinion heard? It can seem a bit forward to go right into the office and ask for more money, so instead, ask for more responsibility.
Tell them you’ve mastered your job and no longer find it challenging. By asking to be considered for a new position that carries more responsibility, you’re indirectly asking for a raise.
6. Ask your boss what they want
How do you know what your boss is looking for unless they tell you? So ask them specifically what skills or qualifications they’re looking for. Do you need training or certifications?
Knowing exactly what your boss is looking for allows you to position yourself perfectly to land the next available job opening.
7. Stay up to date with tech trends
Don’t be left behind. A new generation is coming right behind you, and they’re not only going to take your promotion, your raise, but maybe even your job. So stay on top of the game by embracing new technology.
This way, when the company changes its computer software, for example, you’ll be the one in the office ready to handle the new technology.
8. Work on your people skills
The jobs that pay more oftentimes require you to be a good listener and communicator. For example, you will be tasked with handling employees and giving reports to the boss in a management position. So if you want a raise, interpersonal skills are valuable ones to have in your arsenal.
9. Network on LinkedIn
Network with others who are in your profession. The more people you connect with, the more doors can open for you. You never know when one contact may have a job opening at their place of work. You can then use this job opportunity as leverage to secure a raise at your current job.
10. Don’t be desperate
Remember, you deserve a raise because you’re a hard worker who is essential to the company – not because you desperately need the money. Furthermore, bosses will rarely give you more money because of your own personal situation at home. So don’t bother telling them about your unpaid student debt, mounting bills, or your pending foreclosure. Frankly, it’s none of their business, and these excuses only show you’re irresponsible with money.
11. Make yourself invaluable
To receive a pay raise, you need to make yourself indispensable around the office. Take on additional projects and do extra tasks around the office that are not assigned to you. You need to make it so that the business could no longer function properly without you. If you were fired and someone could easily replace you – then frankly, you do not deserve a raise.
12. To get a raise, timing is everything
If a quarterly report has just come in that shows the business is struggling, you should not expect a raise. If, however, the financial numbers are looking good, take that opportunity to set up a meeting with your boss. After all, you were a part of that success.
13. Ask for a meeting
You should not go up to your boss and begin talking to them about a raise in the hallway or during lunch. You need to have their undivided attention. The only way to get this is to set a specific date and time with them. This way, they are prepared to hear what you have to say, and you won’t catch them off guard.
14. Confidence
If you yourself don’t believe you’re getting a raise, then nobody else will believe it either. So fire your ego up enough, so you know that you truly do deserve a raise. This is not the time to be modest and shy.
15. Practice what to say
Before discussing a raise with your employer, practice your approach with a friend. They will be able to critique you and tell you how to perfect your presentation. It will also allow you to practice what you’re going to say to better familiarize yourself with your sales pitch.
16. What not to say
Your boss is not going to give you more money just because you need it. It doesn’t matter to your boss that your significant other has lost their job or if your rent has gone up. Your employer will only give you a raise if it’s in their best interest.
17. Know your worth
Do some research online as to the average amount someone in your position is paid. If you notice you are being underpaid, be sure to mention this. Be sure to have various sources in case your boss wants to correct you. If you have a lot of experience and other special skills and do other tasks at the office, then this will also bode well for your worth.
18. Explain your reasoning
So come forth with a persuasive argument. Explain to them that you are underpaid compared to others who hold the same position at other companies. Explain to them how long you have been working there and that you are due for a raise. Tell them about the extra duties you perform at work or extra education and training you have acquired.
19. Ask for a little more
After you complete your presentation, ask for a specific amount of a raise. If you don’t mention any amount, your boss is more likely to shut you down. So make sure to ask for a bit more than what you think you can get. This way, when your boss is shutting you down, you can ask for a smaller raise and get it.
Getting any amount of an increase in your paycheck is better than nothing. It’s a common negotiating tactic to shoot for the moon and land among the stars.
