How To Negotiate a Raise With Any Job

According to a survey performed by the staffing firm Robert Half, only 39 percent of the people negotiated the salary offer of their last job. Another survey conducted by Randstad U.S demonstrated that 60 percent of the women said they never dealt with an employer over salary. 

Many other surveys and research indicated that women are less likely to negotiate. Even if they do, it might be the case that they give up halfway or agree with the salary offered by the company even if it is less than what is desired or deserved. These two statistics from career negotiations express the need to learn the art of negotiating when it comes to salary. Regardless of the field, you are working in, there will always arise a situation in which you will have to negotiate with your boss. 

Just like building your resume or planning for an interview, negotiating your raise also comes with some crucial tips and tricks you should keep in mind.

Are you Adding your Achievements?

Since you are looking for a raise, you can’t just say to your boss that your expenses are high or your financial burden is increasing. Nobody cares about personal stuff. But, you can show how you have contributed to the company’s success.
Start recording your growth three months before you ask for a raise, and this will help strengthen your case when you go for negotiation. Also, you might schedule a meeting with your boss to discuss your improvement and the ways you can enrich your potential. It should be clear that you are dedicated to your work to give your boss a solid reason to consider a raise.

Decide the Salary You Want

Before asking for a raise, it is vital to keep updating your boss about the things you accomplished. At the same time, decide your salary goal. It is better to decide on a number, or else you will be giving your employer the chance to determine how much your raise will be. They will be controlling the entire discussion right from the beginning, and basically, that is what they do the whole day. So, it is better to decide beforehand and accordingly prepare the reasons you will present that justify your raise. You can research the average salary in your job as well.

Inform your Boss beforehand

Nearly one month before asking for a raise, it is essential to inform your Boss that as you are one of the top employers in the company, it is evident that you are looking for a raise and ask to schedule a meeting for next month. Do not forget to ask your employer about his expectations. Instead of rambling about random skills in your meeting, it is better to give your boss a solution to the problem he is facing. You can also find other problems that your company is encountering and try to connect them with your raise.

  • Practice, Practice, and Practice. 

Most people choose to miss opportunities in their careers instead of learning negotiation simply. Practice with your friend or your colleagues. Some of the most common questions raised by employers are- “What are your salary expectations?”, “How have you contributed to the company’s success?” They might trap you by using the financial front as support, saying, “We don’t have enough budget to meet your requirements. Get honest reviews from your friends, as this would further hone your negotiating skill.

Myths around Negotiating a Raise-

When it comes to negotiations, usually, a person becomes his enemy. At this point, you will be the only one stopping yourself or pushing yourself to negotiate your raise. Initially, you will have to remove any mental obstacles that might be impeding your chance of adding more to your salary-

1. Salary Negotiations are Hostile and Adversarial

The first thing you should keep in mind while negotiating is- It is not immoral or greedy to negotiate. One might think that accepting what your boss has to offer is the best path to a salary raise, but it is never disrespectful to negotiate. After all, both your employer and you need the same thing- for you to keep working in the current role.

On the contrary, you should not sound mean when asking for a raise. You should carefully navigate the conversation by adding your achievements and how you have contributed to the success of the company to remind them that you are a valuable asset to them. 

2. You need to read about Negotiations

Yes, people are writing long books on the art of negotiations, and podcasts and YouTube videos are teaching you about negotiating in the career world. 

Not just negotiations, when a person tries new things, it is essential to study and practice them. So, your practice will teach you more about it than youtube lectures that cannot hold your attention for more than 10 minutes. 

3. You should be able to get your way

Another myth around negotiation is that you’ll always end up winning. Unfortunately, sometimes your boss won’t agree to your terms no matter how hard you try to persuade him, which might be due to several reasons. Still, you should be able to realize when it is time to leave your proposal and accept what your employer is offering. 

However, even if you didn’t get the raise you desired, a good negotiation can still change things for you in other ways. 

4. Negotiation is a God’s Gift

A common myth about many skills is that people are born with them. Nobody is born a negotiator, and just like any other skill, negotiation can be honed and mastered with practice and knowledge. 

An excellent way to practice negotiation from a young age is in local markets. You don’t need classes or lectures from professional negotiators to learn about it– observe how people around you negotiate for little things and try it yourself. After all, your aim is not to become a world-class negotiator. It is enough to get things done your way in your professional life.

5. My Boss has more Knowledge about Things

Of course, you will not achieve whatever you want every time. However, experience is not a primary criterion in negotiating for a raise. Your boss might have more exposure to things than you, and he might be a competent negotiator. But, if you can put a convincing case that shows how productive and beneficial you are as an employee, you might be able to turn the tables.

Conclusion-

Nobody is born a negotiator, but it is every person’s choice if they want to become one. One can comprehend, master, and refine negotiation just like any other skill. Negotiation is not just to increase your salary, even though it is an integral part of your job, but it can benefit you in many other ways. From street vendors to big wins, the art of negotiation is entrenched in the monetary world. 

Let us know your reviews and queries at [email protected]. We are excited to hear from you!

 

BeyondGrades

Responses

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.