5 Ways To Get That Salary Increase You So Deserve

Think you deserve a bigger paycheck? Want to ask for a raise but not sure you’ll get one? Almost everyone thinks they’re worth more money, but many people aren’t that most deserving. Salary upticks are typically granted  only once a year, although it’s dependent on the mood of the economy and the demand for employees in your industry. In general, there are only three instances when you can get away with a more frequent paycheck bump: if you’re an all-star performer and can make a strong case for why you deserve a raise sooner rather than later. Here are proven strategies to help you get that raise you deserve.

1. Know how much you’re worth to your employer

Of course, you need to enter a salary negotiation prepared. It’s hard not to get emotional, but you need to treat it as if it’s a pitch for a project, for your services. Most importantly, you need to have a good idea of how much you’re worth to your employer. So do a thorough search on to get a benchmark salary range for your role. This is a simple gauge of your salary at minimum.

2. Demonstrate value add, outline your accomplishments

Time to sell/pitch about how awesome and valuable you’re to your firm. It helps to have materials that help demonstrate your value to the organisation. This can be anything from printed materials to an actual presentation. It’s especially helpful if you’re multi-skilled and contribute in various areas, because this is highly likely to mean that the company will incur more cost in replacing you with a few individuals with specific skill sets.

3. Never be the first to name a number

One of the cardinal rules of negotiation is that you should never be the first to name a number. That question will pop up for sure and you’d be pressured to give a number. If your efforts to deflect this discussion isn’t successful, give a narrow-ish range which you’d be happy with if they offer the lowest of that range; or deflect this with any of the below phrases temporarily:

4. Don’t be emotional

Turn your mind into a blank slate. Quash your expectations, hopes or fears. Above all, overcome all neediness, the number-one deal-killer. Not needing this raise or promotion gives you power. Successful negotiation of any sort requires that you understand this fact and use it.

5. Be ready to discuss more than money

It’s often that politics or organisational structure that comes in the way too. It could be that your boss values your contribution, but is unable to budge on salary due to budget limits, arbitrary standardisation etc. Then, the next question you’ve to ask is: “Are there any other compensation elements that we can discuss?”