It’s a big deal.
To make it not such a big deal I have put together some key steps to help you get a pay rise.
Why is it so hard?
Relax. You have two ways to combat this ‘fear of the unknown’.
- Read this blog – it’ll give you a very good idea of what to expect.
- Rehearse before the meeting.
Rehearsing will reduce the likelihood of ‘choking’ on the spot. Studies have shown that when you ‘choke-up’, your perception of what’s relevant is often clouded – so you may suggest you need a raise because your office chair isn’t very comfortable.
By rehearsing what you’re going to say, you will familiarise your mind with the words you want to use – ensuring a confident and strong presentation.
Try this. Say ‘I think I’m due for a pay rise’ 30 times. Don’t be scared to say it as it is.
Do you deserve a raise?
- Emails of praise from managers/staff
- Overtime hours you’ve worked
- Additional responsibilities taken on
- Superior staff development (thanks to you)
- Special projects undertaken
- Award (or nominations) earned for the company
- Revenue earned for the company
- Money you have saved the company
You need to have gone the extra mile in some way. You’re paid to do a good job so saying that ‘you’re doing a good’ job isn’t good enough. You need to prove that you’re adding more value to the company than you’re being paid for.
What if you haven’t performed above and beyond your job description? You can still get a raise – just not straight away. Ask to take-on some additional responsibility and give yourself a couple of months to prove you’re worthy of a pay rise.
Try this: Dig up your current job description. Now write another one based on what your role actually entails. Compare the two, have you taken on any extra responsibility?
The ground work…
- Find out what other people in your position and industry are earning. Hays has a great breakdown of salaries in Australia. These industry figures usually include inflation (Inflation is the reason your cup of coffee went up from $3.00 to $3.50 this new financial year).
- Search for job ads similar to yours. Jump onto Career One and Seek and check out what other companies are offering for a role similar to yours.
- Call up a recruitment agency. They will have a good idea of what you should be earning and how much your role is worth to a company.
Important: There is a difference between individual value and the value of your role. You need to find out what your role is worth. If you have reached the maximum pay that your company is willing to fork out for that role, you’re better off asking for a role promotion.
How much more do you want?
The meeting.
When you arrive at the meeting (after having done your ground work and rehearsed what you want to say) start by talking about what she wants to hear. For example, how you have improved the company, earned extra revenue, when you have been going above and beyond etc. Make sure she agrees that you have been an asset to the company.
Use the ‘yes ladder’. This is where you get your boss to say ‘yes’ to a lot of questions leading up to your proposal. For example, “So you know I’ve been doing a lot of overtime lately?”. “You’ve seen the progress we’ve made with the xyz project?”. “You’re aware I generated x amount of profit last month?”. This will get your boss in the ‘yes’ frame of mind.
Next, lead into what you want in return for your hard work. Stay positive, agreeable and confident when you suggest what you have in mind.
To avoid that awkward moment after you ‘choke’, use detached positioning. This is where you look at your proposal as if you were a neutral outsider. If you look at it this way you’ll see that it’s just a discussion about salary or an overdue pay rise – it could be any one’s pay rise. You know that employees who feel undervalued (because they are underpaid) find it hard to stay motivated. It’s only natural.
Also, keep this in mind. The better employees get paid, the better the company becomes. Higher pay attracts the best employees in the field.
Most importantly, don’t have an argument. Have a discussion. Help your boss help you – you’re just facilitating the pay rise process.
What if you get a ‘No’?
- Company car
- Mobile phone
- Private health insurance
- Laptop
- Parking
- Salary sacrifice
- Extra superannuation
- Training course
- Industry magazine subscription
- Flexible work conditions (work from home one day)
- Ticket to networking and industry nights
- Increased responsibility
If she doesn’t think you actually deserve a pay rise you need to ask what you need to do to get one. Don’t give up!
Remember, be logical. Not emotional.
You’ve got the raise!
8 things not to do…
- Don’t bring external forces into it – your boss doesn’t need to know that you need the money because Auntie Mary is sick.
- Don’t say you want a raise because Penelope got one.
- Don’t get personal.
- Never give an ultimatum (like threatening to leave) – look for the win-win
- Don’t talk too much in the meeting.
- Don’t be afraid of an awkward silence. If you have made a good point, let your boss acknowledge it. Wait for her to break the silence.
- You are asking for a pay rise, not presenting a strategy for climate change. Keep it simple.
- Don’t lose your cool, tears won’t get you anywhere.
Hold your boss to her promise.
If you have any questions, maybe you have a unique circumstance or I haven’t covered a topic in enough detail, post it in the comments and I will get back to you today.
Happy pay rise!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This was a great help and such perfect timing.. I think I have earned one!
I do have one question… do Australians recieve an automatic pay rise after a 21st birthday? that is still 9 months away for me and I am not too keen to wait for so long!
I dont know whether to ask for one now and then expect another when the birthday comes around, or wait until my milestone and keep fingers crossed.. I also work for a charity so asking for money seems insensitive and I dont quite know how to acknowledge this.
Thanks!
Hi Stephanie,
Great to hear that I’ve provided you with some help! You’re in an interesting situation, so I’ve put together a few resources for you.
Firstly, if you are paid by the hour, the minimum you should be earning at the age of 20 is $15.15 (http://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay/national-minimum-wage/pages/default.aspx). I don’t believe you are legally eligible for a pay rise when you turn 21 though.
If you are on a salary (earning x amount per year) you can ask for a pay rise whenever you believe you deserve one.
Working for a charity does create a sensitive situation, but if you are earning them revenue, helping them save money or doing things that go above and beyond to improve their business, you are valuable to them and should feel confident to ask for a raise.
Another way to go about it is to have a meeting with your employer and ask what you can do over the next few months so that you can expect a raise (by your 21st birthday maybe?).
Best of luck Stephanie!