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Now, it’s time to ask for a raise. You are confident that you deserve it, but how exactly should you go about it in the right way? Well, the best place to start is by understanding what you shouldn’t be doing. Here is a selection of five crucial “no-nos” to avoid
Negotiation Mistakes to Avoid When Aiming to Boost Your Salary:
1. Being confrontational or adversarial.
2. Bringing personal reasons into the discussion.
3. Failing to back up your request with evidence of your value.
4. Getting cornered by unrealistic expectations.
5. Letting emotions take over.
6. Neglecting research on industry standards and salary benchmarks.
7. Overlooking the value of non-monetary benefits.
8. Failing to explore alternative compensation options.
9. Talking excessively instead of actively listening.
10. Neglecting to consider long-term growth opportunities.
Don’t be heavy-handed
Salary negotiations should not be approached confrontationally. The reason for your successful work is likely your satisfaction in your role. Begin the meeting by highlighting the positives, then naturally transition into discussing the future and the shared progress between you and the company.
If you enter into this discussion with an angry, indignant mindset, you’re less likely to get what you want and you are sure to rustle a few feathers.
So it's time to ask for a raise. You know you deserve it but how exactly do you go about getting it in the right way. Well, the best place to start is to know what you shouldn't be doing.Click To TweetIt’s not personal
Your boss doesn’t need to know about your personal situation. Your request for a higher salary should be solely based on the value you bring to the company. Whether your daughter is starting a private school or you’re eyeing a new car, these personal reasons are irrelevant in this discussion. Your salary increase should be justified by the work you have done and will continue to do for the company. Support your argument with concrete examples of instances where you have exceeded expectations. Be specific and demonstrate your true worth to them.
Be Reasonable
The last thing you want is to paint yourself into a corner from which it’s difficult to escape if things don’t go as planned. In the initial meeting, it might not be necessary to present specific figures. A reasonable boss will consider your request and respond with an offer at a later agreed-upon date. If the offer is lower than anticipated, express your sentiments calmly but don’t push too hard, as you might end up with unfavorable results. Maintain composure and avoid losing ground in the negotiation process.
Compromise
If you sense that things may not go in your favor, strive to secure some concessions from your bosses. If the offered amount is lower than desired, propose accepting it temporarily while obtaining a commitment from them to revisit the matter in six months. During this period, if circumstances don’t improve, you can begin exploring other options in the job market. When your bosses perceive the potential for losing you, there’s a high likelihood of swiftly attaining your desired outcome.
Don’t back down
Maintaining patience and reason should be your primary focus, but there might be instances where you encounter an unacceptable attitude. The key is to avoid letting your emotions take control. If your request is met with discourteous negativity, take a deep breath, express gratitude for your boss’s time, and begin seeking opportunities with a new employer. If you genuinely believe you deserve the raise, there’s no reason to accept otherwise. While negotiation skills are valuable, it’s equally important to recognize when it’s time to cut your losses and pursue new and better opportunities.
