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You Deserve a Raise!

Why you deserve a raise and how you should get one.

Highlight Your Accomplishments

Before you meet with your supervisor, take stock of your strengths. Make a list of your accomplishments, including new projects you’ve implemented, results you’ve achieved and positive feedback you’ve received from colleagues, clients or patients. “Think about what you do well,” Cardillo says. “Are you a good speaker, manager, teacher or organizer? You have to create awareness of the value you bring to the job and be able to articulate that when you go into a negotiating session. You have to be able to sell yourself.”

Do It Face to Face

After you’ve readied yourself with the appropriate facts and figures, set up an appointment with your supervisor or the appropriate manager. Tell him you want to discuss some career-related issues, but keep it lighthearted so he won’t think you’re going to resign, suggests Cardillo. A face-to-face meeting is essential. “When you have something important to discuss with a manager, you should always do it in person,” she says. “Never ask for a raise on paper.”

Make a Convincing Presentation

Don’t beat around the bush during the meeting. State your objective right up front, advises Cardillo. Begin by briefly expressing your happiness working with your supervisor or department so you don’t seem to be threatening to leave. Then use a phrase like, “I believe I should be making a higher salary than I am now, and let me tell you why I think that” or “I’m asking for a $3,000 raise, and let me tell you why I think I’m entitled to it.” Ask for a specific dollar amount or a range of increase as opposed to leaving the amount open-ended. Then enumerate your strong points and share your salary research. Provide a written summary of your request after the face-to-face meeting.

Stay Objective

During the meeting, be straightforward and pleasant. “Try to make an objective argument rather than an emotional argument,” Johnson says. Granting or refusing your request is a business decision, not a personal one, for employers. Don’t take it personally. “Be calm, self-assured and professional,” Cardillo says. “Never go in with a hostile or defensive attitude.”

Enjoy the Payoffs

Asking for a raise is “one of the hardest things you’ll ever do, but it pays off,” Cardillo says. “It shows you’re assertive, interested in staying in your job, looking to advance and able to articulate your strong points.” Even if you don’t get the results you want, your request may spur your supervisor to think about what it will take, like more flexibility, greater challenges or better benefits, to keep you happy.

Read the original article Negotiate a Raise in Healthcare on Monster.com.

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