How To Ask For A Raise

We won't go as far as saying that "timing is everything," but when it comes to asking for a raise, timing is critical.

Bad timing

If your condition currently requires a lot of time off, or you just asked for a reasonable accommodation, it may be in your interests to wait awhile to ask for a salary increase. Hold off until you're back in the groove and showing your stuff. Even if your work has been above average, it's not a good time to push a point. Keep track in writing of what you've done for the company so you'll have it on hand when the timing is better.

Likewise, it's not a good idea to ask for a raise if your boss is dealing with a crisis, or you just messed up.

It's not a good idea to ask for a raise when the company's finances aren't in good shape, or goals aren't being met -- though if you're performing really well, you may still be able to get a raise.

Better timing

• Right after a really great evaluation.
• Just after you've performed really well for your employer.
• When your responsibilities increase -- or you realize that your responsibilities already have increased to the degree that you're doing a lot more than you were when you reached your current pay level.
• Just before the budget for next year is finalized (so the new amount can be built into the budget). If money is tight, and you wait until later, the available cash may have gone to another employee.

Please share how this information is useful to you. 0 Comments