If you've ever worried about how to approach asking for a raise, here are tips from two respected career coaches that will set you on your way to success!

1. your career getting a pay rise
Rise
to the
occasion!
In these cash-strapped boss you conduct research to ascertain
the market value of your current role as
times securing a pay rise this will provide you with a good starting
is no easy ask but if you do point in terms of the salary range you are
working with.
your homework and are
‘You can do this by gathering
realistic you are far more information from your network of contacts
likely to be successful, who work in a similar industry and by
comparing the information provided
writes Leanne Evans. in various online salary surveys. If your
present salary is below the current market
rate then this information can be used in
Don’t think you’re getting the dollars your salary negotiation.’
you deserve? Perhaps it’s time It’s important to be realistic and
to broach the subject of a salary not let emotions or personal factors
increase with your boss but before influence what you believe you’re worth.
you do, make sure you’re armed with Ms Jackson recommends approaching
all the supporting facts you need to the situation with ‘an open and positive
make a winning case. mindset. ‘[Think of it as] a request for a
First, timing is everything and that salary review based on your performance
doesn’t just mean picking a moment in the role, not a demand for a salary
when the boss looks like they’re in a increase. The salary discussion is not a
good mood — although this might help! battle: it is a conversation and should end
Preparing to ask for a pay rise requires up being a “win-win” situation for both
a positive yet realistic attitude, research you and your manager.’
and a clear set of achievements or Katie Roberts, director of Katie Roberts
accomplishments that you feel warrant Career Consulting, agrees that the most
a salary review. appropriate time to ask for a salary review
Jane Jackson, career management is once you have proven you can go over
coach and director of Style Success, and above the expectations of your role.
suggests that before you meet with your ‘You need to prove your worth by
64 Post Script May 2011

2. getting a pay rise your career
showing your employer that you can not are not second guessing whether their creativity and innovation in your role to
only fulfil the requirements of your role, but response was negative or positive. the benefit of the organisation.’
that you go beyond the scope of your role For many people, money talk can be Of course, the fearful factor about
by taking the initiative to do things that are nerve racking, especially when your sights asking for a pay rise is if the answer is no.
not expected of you. Provide them with solid are clearly set on a salary increase. Prior Try to avoid disappointment by thinking
examples that demonstrate your initiative, research will ensure your own salary of the salary review conversation as an
passion and expertise. Show them you are expectations are in-check and give you the opportunity to gain constructive pointers
loyal to the company by demonstrating confidence to openly state your case. from your manager on how you are
your commitment to further training and ‘Before the meeting, practise what you performing in your role. It may be that
willingness to develop your skills and are going to say to your boss with a friend you need to improve on one or two areas
knowledge within the organisation.’ or family member,’ suggests Ms Roberts. before you can move forward. Try not to
Lauren Atkins, retail manager at ‘Write down a list of all view this as a negative but instead focus
Scottsdale Pharmacy and the 2010 the possible responses on making the necessary changes required
Tasmania Pharmacy your employer may give to ensure you achieve in the future.
Assistant of the Year ‘If the answer is no to a salary increase,
winner, explained that she there may be other options that will be
asked for a salary review for satisfying to you such as subsidised training
herself and her senior dispense
The salary to upgrade your skills, more flexible working
discussion
technician for these very reasons. arrangements or employee incentive
‘In the case of my dispense plans. Discuss these with your manager,
technician her work standards had
dramatically improved over the is not a keeping an open mind,’ advised Ms Jackson.
‘To ensure that your motivation in
course of the last 12 months and
battle, it is a your role remains, find out from your
conversation
she had also been given a lot more manager what areas you need to work
responsibilities in terms of her role on in order to increase your value to
in the dispensary. I felt that she was the organisation so that you will be
deserving of a pay rise and voiced this considered for a salary review in the
to the pharmacy owner.’ Both Lauren and future. This will give you a goal to work
her colleague received a pay increase. you and think of how you towards,’ added Ms Jackson.
Clearly stating the reasons you feel would deal with each of these Timing and a clear goal or direction is
you deserve a pay rise is the first step responses. key when it comes to asking for a raise.
in working with your manager to reach ‘Tell your boss that you would like to Team this with the practical confidence
a positive outcome. It also makes it discuss your salary. Give them an outline and belief that you have proven you
much easier for your manager to make a of your accomplishments to date and the can not only fulfil the requirements of
balanced decision. reasons why you believe you are worth your current role but also go beyond the
Prepare for the meeting with your more. Show them any documentation that basics set out in your job description in
manager by gathering relevant and will support your case. Ask them what they a way that has a positive e ect on the
useful information such as a list of your think you are worth. If this figure is less company or business. Also, look at your
achievements that go over and above than what you want, tell them why you role from your manager’s perspective
your job specification, customer or client think you are worth more and back it up as this will help to lessen the chance of
testimonials or feedback, salary comparison with statistics on current market rates for disappointment. !
details and performance indicators which your industry.’
you have met or even exceeded. Ms Jackson said your work
i
Jane Jackson is a career management
Be upfront with your manager by accomplishments are your main selling coach and corporate trainer and is director
advising that you want to discuss a salary point. ‘Your main accomplishments or of Style Success, coaching for professional
review as this will allow them time to achievements may be that you have achievement and self empowerment. For more
prepare a considered response. Arrange increased profits, saved money, saved time, information go to www.stylesuccess.biz or email
a face-to-face meeting as opposed to a improved relationships with customers or jane@stylesuccess.biz.
telephone call or email conversation, this clients, streamlined processes, improved Katie Roberts is director of Katie Roberts
way you can read your manager’s body morale, generated positive feedback Career Consulting. For more information visit www.
language during the conversation and and appreciation, or demonstrated your katieroberts.com.au or call (02) 9665 8219.
May 2011 Post Script 65