Do You Deserve a Raise?

Who doesn't want to make more money? I think just about everyone would love to get a raise, but these days, they are becoming harder to get. There was a time when working hard every day was all it took, and, eventually, management would reward all of the effort. Those days are long gone, and now, in order to get a raise, you have to stand out, show that you deserve one and ask for it.

When you ask for a raise, you're saying that you are worth the extra money. Even in salary negotiations, it's important not to lowball yourself or accept significantly less than you expected. So, what should you do before negotiating for a higher salary?

Take an honest look at your value to the company. Not asking for a raise or asking for a low starting salary doesn't really help your chances or make you a more desirable employee. In fact, if you don't think you're worth more, you can't expect them to. So, take a long, hard look at the value you bring to the company and research the average salary of people in your position and industry. This will give you a better idea of what it would cost the company to replace you.

Try to take emotion out of it. When a company is reluctant to give out raises, it can feel like a slap in the face. Instead of feeling hurt, realize that the company's effort to not pay you more isn't personal - it's just business. Once you take emotion out of it, you will be in a better position to calmly negotiate.

Don't overlook the importance of experience and training. When calculating your value, it's not enough to look at how much it would cost to hire someone else to do your job. Your training and experience make you more valuable than a brand-new employee. Most of us tend to discount how much our unique abilities are worth.

Once you've decided what you're worth, you can begin negotiating for what you need. Just remember that getting a raise is a business decision, it isn't validation or a stamp of approval. Keeping a cool head is important and even though you may not get everything you want, you just may be able to increase your earnings. You can also check the Nexxt Salary Center to learn more about average salaries by job title and location.

Is your employer resistant to give raises? Have you successfully negotiated a raise? What things do you think are the most important? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Source: Forbes; Image Source: MorgueFile