5 Things to Do Before Asking for a Raise at Work

Do you feel like you are underpaid?  Or maybe you have been being a rock star at work and you feel that it is time for you to make more?  Are you feeling nervous to approach your boss about the company giving you more money?

So what do you do?  Do you know? If not, I am going to help you out a little bit. I am going to give you a couple of the best things you should do in advance of requesting your raise so that you go into it strong.

Here are 5 things to do before asking for a raise at work:

  • Know the worth of your position.  Do a little bit of research to see how much others in your position earn, both at your company and others.  Knowing this information before you go in is good information to have for arguments.
  • Have realistic expectations.  If you work as a cashier, you are likely not going to get paid the wages of a doctor.  You need to make sure the number you are asking for makes sense for your position.
  • Don’t go in there and simply ask for more money.  Go in there and sell yourself, your work, and your abilities so that you make them want to give you money instead of questioning whether or not you should get more money.
  • Put in your request for a meeting early.  Despite what you may believe, waiting until your annual review is not always the best thing to do to wait for a raise.  Oftentimes, your wage decision is made before your performance review anyway, so getting in there early is a wise decision.
  • Do it!  I know it is nerve-wracking, but you can do it!  Just jump in and do it! The worst that can happen is you get a no. But, you won’t ever know if you don’t try for it!