How to get a pay raise?

Question

Lot's of people have trouble asking for a raise (me included).

Post your tips, stories, anything that may help.

Answer 1

Here's an article from Lifehacker - http://lifehacker.com/346369/get-a-pay-raise (There's a link to this Times article in there)

Do you feel that you're working more than you're worth? It might be the right time to ask for a pay raise. Before you make the request, though, do your homework and ensure that your roles and activities—not your job title—are consistent with what you should be paid. If you're confident that you deserve more, build up the courage and ask, but do it with grace. Rehearse your pay-raise request and make sure that your case is articulated clearly and without negative emotions or threats to quit. Ensure that the timing is right: don't request a raise when your manager's stress is high and the workload is overwhelming. Otherwise, your request might be perceived as a distraction and may not be received well. You also need to be honest with yourself. Do you deserve the raise? Was your past performance up to par? Did you exceed expectations? If the answer is yes, it's time to take the plunge.

Answer 2

This was just posted on LifeHacker.
Know What Salary to Ask For in Your New Job

Answer 3

I've never had to ask for one ;D (really). If you do a good job you should be rewarded and paid a competitive salary. If you have to "ask" (other than perhaps at an annual review). then you should strongly consider moving on.

Answer 4

Best way to get a pay raise: get a new job!

Answer 5

Stay marketable and keep checking the market. If you find another position that you'd be comfortable moving to see what they offer. This is the tricky part. Telling someone what you think you're worth is a sensitive subject (for me anyway). Do some research (Salary.com has a free wizard you can use that gives some info), there are tons of tools online.

In all this though make sure you only consider jobs you'd love to do. If you do that and you are not happy with your current position then you gain a happier job and you get to feel a little empowered. On the flip side, if you don't hate your current position then by considering only positions you would enjoy you give yourself options as well as information about what your current market is worth. If you get an offer see if your company will counter offer (greatly depends on your management and relationships with them and your company in general so TREAD SOFTLY), if they do then you've help your current position meet market demand, if they don't then you get to move to a job you find acceptable with a pay increase as well.

This is based on my personal experience. Hope it's helpful. Just remember don't make rushed, rash decisions when your life and career are on the line.

Answer 6

The first step is to actually be worth a raise. Know if you are, and be able to explain why.

If you are actually dissatisfied with your current position, it might be worth it to look into other companies as well... at best you'll find a great new job, at least you'll have some proof to back up your claims that you are worth more.

Answer 7

I recommend that you get a copy of Everything is Negotiable by Gavin Kennedy. Asking for a pay rise is a negotiation and this book gives good advice and dispells some myths.

I have to strongly disagree with Boojiboy. I am experienced people manager from the corporate world. My job was to make sure I paid people just enough money to keep them happy and hide behind corporate policy to if anybody complained.