Want a raise? Stop committing Salary Negotiations Suicide

“There’s no way I could ask my boss for a raise – I’d blow it for sure, and then where would I be?”  Sound familiar?  Maybe you feel you deserve a raise, so you race right in and demand it.  Either way, you’ll most likely end up without adding any extra dollars to your paycheck, says career counselor Robin Ryan author of Soaring on Your Strengths (Penguin 2006).  Getting a raise is not as simple as it may appear.  A recent USA Today survey reported that 59% of the women who asked for a raise got a "no" and 41% of men failed, too. What are the fatal mistakes you must avoid when talking to your employer about a raise? Ryan, who is commonly called America’s top career counselor, says:

1. assuming longevity entitles you to a raise

2. needing a raise because you bought a new house or car, or just had a baby

3. threatening to quit or refusing to do a project unless you are better compensated

4. making the statement that some other employee got a raise so you want one too

Not one of these approaches shows the boss or company HOW you work has benefited the organization, says Ryan who equates them to committing salary negotiations suicide.

“There’s a gigantic misconception about where BIG raises come from. Internal raises rarely exceed 5-8% but major pay increases - 20%, 40%, even 50%, - come from selling yourself more effectively to a new employer.” states Ryan.   In her career counseling practice Ryan works with job hunters across the country.  Many people, she said, are moving from companies where they have been underpaid. “Employers are starting to feel a shortage of talented candidates. The job market is thirsty for capable employees – those who are reliable with demonstrated skills and accomplishments that prove it.  When they find them, employers are offering top dollar just to insure that candidate will join their team, reports Ryan who has this in action with her clients.  

You won’t land a big salary increase though if you don’t know the secrets of salary negotiations.  Ryan offers an important rule you must never break when you negotiate with a potential employer. “Never reveal your previous salary” she says.  Doing so removes your negotiation power, and will likely result in a lower offer than what the employer might have been willing to pay.

So if you still think you want to ask your current boss for a raise, then do your homework and follow

Robin Ryan’s guidelines if you hope to get a “YES” response to your request.  

• Provide proof.  Charts can be very persuasive.  Create one that details your original job duties and compare those to your current duties and responsibilities. Note any specific accomplishments you’ve contributed.  Point out any activities where you have saved or made the company money. Once you clearly illustrate how you are now working at a higher level, use salary surveys and job comparisons to support your suggested compensation level.

• Suggest a promotion. Investigate whether or not your duties can be reclassified at a high job title, giving you a promotion which is a little recognized but often used way of granting a raise.

• Prepare a win/win pitch.  Practice highlighting what contributions you’ve made and the impact they have had on the company. Role-play your request with a colleague or friend.  Identify any objections you think your boss is likely to make and prepare solid responses. 

• Timing is critical to success.  Be sure to pick a time when your boss is likely to be receptive and more positive.  Be positive and tailor the request to accommodate your boss’s personality.   

And, if the answer is NO, Ryan recommends you ask exactly what is required to get a raise.  You may have hit a ceiling as to what this particular job is worth to your employer and that’s key information to know.  

Contact Author Robin Ryan 425.226.0414 email: robin@robinryan.com

review copies: Ann Day, tel. 212/366-2078, e-mail: ann.day@us.penguingroup.com

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Read more of Robin's press releases:

• Career Counselors are LYING If they Say They Will Find You A Job

• Personal Branding Newest Trend To Land Job Promotions

• Employers changing tactics to improve Job Performance of employees

• Most Job Hunters Fail at Interview Etiquette

• Soaring on Your Strengths: Discover, Use, and, Brand Your Best Self for Career Success

© Copyright 2008 Robin Ryan. All rights reserved.

Need more assistance?  Robin is available to help you achieve your goals and dreams with individual career counseling. Click here to learn more.

Robin Ryan has appeared on Oprah and Dr. Phil and is considered to be America’s top career coach. Robin has a busy career counseling practice providing individual career coaching, resume writing services, interview preparation, salary negotiations, and outplacement to clients nationwide. She is the best-selling author of : "60 Seconds & You're Hired!," "Soaring On Your Strengths," "What to Do With the Rest of Your Life," "Winning Resumes," and "Winning Cover Letters." A dynamic national speaker, Robin has spoken to over 1200 audiences sharing her insights on how to improve their lives and obtain greater success. Contact Robin at: 425.226.0414, or email: robin@robinryan.com, or visit her website: http://www.robinryan.com

Reprints release: Newspapers, magazines, online websites are granted permission to reprint this in part or whole but are required to credit the author including author's bio, book credits, and include author's website information (with link if online); PLUS email author at robin@robinryan.com and state when and where reprint publication will occur. Questions: contact author at robin@robinryan.com or 425.226.0414.