|
Asking for a pay rise is often a hard subject to broach for
working women. Here are some tips on how to get what you want
If you suspected that you were worth more than you were being
paid, what would you do about it? The most obvious solution would be
to check your facts then ask for a pay rise, but many women find
asking for more very difficult. Which could go some way towards
explaining the continuing discrepancy in pay between the sexes.
Performance coach Claire Patrick maintains that it's largely due
to the fact that we're wired differently from men. 'Women see
themselves as lucky rather than deserving when things go right.
Their levels of self-esteem tend to be lower so they feel less
confident about asking for a rise than their male counterparts.'
Her advice is to behave as if you were sure you deserved it. As with
so many situations, a firm belief in your worth makes others believe
in you too.
Related Articles
» Pay Differences between Males & Females
» Re-Invent yourself Week III
The starting point has got to be thorough research. Not only will
that boost your confidence, it will give you the hard facts to put
in front of your boss.
Part 1 - prepare
- Brush up on company pay policy. This will give you details of
how remuneration is decided and the normal methods for awarding
rises. You need to understand the company criteria for extra
reward before you can make a case for yourself.
- Know the reasons why you deserve a rise. Good ones are, having
taken on extra responsibilities, having contributed to the
company's success, obtaining new qualifications or developing
a particular expertise. It's not enough just to list these,
you need to provide proof of how you've added value.
- Investigate comparative salaries offered for similar jobs.
Look at what other employers are paying or by checking the going
rate, using job ads for your type of work in your locality.
Check if you would have a good chance of getting a job with the
sort of salary you're equating yourself to. Your boss may call
your bluff and say go for it!
Part 2 - time
Once you've done all that, you need to get the timing right.
Martin King, Business Development Director, of the REaD Group says:
'Employers do not appreciate someone just knocking on the door
unannounced and asking for a pay rise. The issue should be addressed
in a review. If you are not due one for some time, put the choice
straight into your employer's hands and ask for one sooner. They
will respect you for this as it's looking at your whole
development not just the money side.'
Don't waste all your preparation by catching your boss at a bad
time. If both of you are well prepared for this discussion it's
easier to have a calm, rational look at what can be quite an emotive
issue. Don't assume your boss will automatically oppose you. Tell
yourself they will be pleased you've taken the time to bring your
potential to their attention, so you can work better together and
maximise your contribution to the organisation.
Part 3 - execute
Ken Mann, Marketing and Communications Manager of Experian,
advises choosing a time of day when you know you will be
intellectually sharp. 'Set the tone by providing a summary of how
you view your performance. Work down the list of your significant
achievements as if you're describing what you do to a prospective
employer. Don't exaggerate. If anyone can spot an exaggeration, it's
your boss. If the manager agrees with your assessment, then you have
made it easier for him or her to justify a pay increase. If your
manager doesn't agree, then life becomes more interesting.'
Sarah Thomas, European Business Development Manager for the
Recruitment Company Office Team, regularly delivers presentations on
how to ask for a pay rise. She stresses the importance of
preparation and timing and warns against being emotional or
confrontational. 'Never back your boss into a corner by
threatening to leave. It has a good chance of backfiring.' Paul
Wilson, Managing Director of Michael Page International, cautions,
'Never use personal reasons - demanding an increase because a
colleague has just had one is unprofessional and not the way to
secure a positive response.
Go in believing you will come out with what you want but be
prepared to compromise. There may be factors you are unaware of that
make it difficult for the company to award a pay rise. Work out a
fallback position. Are there other things that would be as valuable
to you as more cash - extra holidays, training, or more flexible
working arrangements, for example? Don't see this as win or lose;
it's more of a give and take situation. |
Print
This
Email
This