Asking for money is never an easy thing to do — and it may be especially awkward at work.
But if you've
been going above and beyond, or you realize you're making less than the
average worker in your position, it's time to ask for a raise.
Here are seven tips for asking for a raise you'll actually get:
1. Do your homework.
Before ever speaking with your boss,
research the market value for your job to figure out what someone in
your position with the same level of education and years of
experience typically gets paid, and where your salary falls in relation.
"Look for what companies typically pay, not what you need to survive
on," Donovan says.
She suggests looking up your position on jobs sites like PayScale or Glassdoor;
checking out the trade association for your industry; or speaking with a
headhunter to garner a better idea of what the average pay looks like.
2. Don't wait.
Start preparing your research the minute
to realize you're not getting paid enough. Don't wait for your annual
review or for your boss to to start the conversation. "You need to ask
for it or you won't get it," Donovan says.
