15.02.2023
HOW TO TALK TO YOUR BOSS ABOUT YOUR SALARY: 7 USEFUL TIPS
If you feel that you are undervalued at work and literally "plow tirelessly", without raising your head, just for pennies, then the time has come to go to the boss with a conversation about a salary increase.
This is an unpleasant and nerve-racking episode in the life of any employee, so here are some useful tips on how to prepare for an important conversation in order to succeed and keep a stable nervous system. In addition to specialized knowledge, you will need self-confidence and determination to achieve your goal.
What exactly do you want
It is very important to decide in advance, before talking to the manager, what amount you want to receive as a salary increase. When you walk into your boss's office as a confident, calm professional, you'll look weird if you're stumped by the question of your desired salary.
Think about what pay you think is adequate for your efforts and workload, whether you want a 15% raise, another percentage or a specific amount. But of course, before that, realistically assess the data for your field of activity and the industry in general, as well as your company in particular.
If your requests are adequate to the benefits you bring, do not hesitate to express them, after all, your boss should also focus on some specific data and numbers.
Formulate clearly and state the arguments
If your requests are not based only on the desire to change your car to a newer one, but on specific achievements, then be prepared to talk about them in more detail, but still precisely and clearly.
Make a list of your recent successes and results and turn it into a mini presentation with numbers and benchmarking if possible.
Concrete evidence is usually the strongest argument and the most convincing in a series of explanations for the fairness of your claims for decent remuneration.
Demonstrate readiness for a higher workload
If you think your chance to shine is yet to come, prepare a list of tasks you could take on. Take a close look at how the company works and what other employees are doing.
Perhaps you can relieve one of your colleagues a little or combine two positions in the organization. A high salary is not given for "your beautiful eyes", so be prepared for an increase in the workload after a fateful conversation.
Don't give the boss ultimatums
You can blackmail your boss by leaving only if you have full guarantees of employment from another company, where you can immediately go in case of dismissal. Only in a position of iron confidence is it permissible to use an ultimatum as an argument, otherwise you may be left with nothing.
If you overestimate your importance to the company and are not ready for the boss to easily sign your letter of resignation, then it is better not to start dubious manipulations.
Also, the manager, like anyone else, will feel uncomfortable knowing that you are trying to push him into a corner, and regardless of the outcome of the conversation, this will not improve your relationship.
Don't compare yourself to the salary of competitors
As with the previous advice, this approach does not improve your position in the eyes of the boss. In any case, the possibility of earning more in other organizations cannot be your only argument.
A reasonable response on the part of the boss would be to check your professional competences against the needs of competitors.
Only if you are completely sure of your value and the amount of your contribution to the success of the organization, you can analyze the labor market and show your boss offers from other companies.
Choose a time to talk
It is very important to choose the important moment to talk about a salary increase. A good time to do this might be after you have successfully completed a project or other important task for the organization.
For such an important matter, even the right choice of a certain time of the day plays a role: studies show that after a hearty meal, every person becomes more relaxed and friendly.
Consider Plan B
Even if you are well prepared, loaded with convincing arguments and have no doubts about your high value to the organization, there is always a chance that the boss thinks differently or simply does not have the necessary resources at the moment.
Try to honestly answer the question of what you will do in case of refusal. Will you look for another job, try to work even harder, or leave everything as it is?
Consciously answering yourself will help you feel more confident in an important conversation because you will no longer be at a loss and you will be ready for any scenario. Good luck!
