How To Ask For A Salary Increase Like A Pro

You are on your first, second or third job and most of your friends are earning way better than you leaving you wondering whether your boss is blind to the economic situation in the country. For most people earning a menial salary, the best option is to quit but let’s face it, in a country where you are not guaranteed a job, quitting is not an option.

So what do you do? The only other option is having that awkward conversation with your boss about how you deserve a better pay. But will they listen, is the question.

Negotiating a pay increase is an art that unfortunately many of us haven’t mastered. Instead we end up making the situation worse.

Get the salary you deserve by learning how to negotiate salary increase like a pro.

Related: How To Request For A Salary Increase- Sample Letter

4 Tips To Follow When Asking For A Pay Increase

1. Do your research

The key to negotiating for a better pay lies in doing research. What do other professions in the industry earn? What salaries do the competitors offer? You could also research what other people holding similar responsibilities in your organization earn. Consider also the inflation rate at the moment and tailor your arguments to that.

The key is to have tangible ideas that you can present with confidence. Salary negotiation is all about convincing the other person that you deserve better.

Related: 5 Things You Must Consider When Asking For A Salary Increase

2. Evaluate your skills and experience

Would the company do without you? If your answer is yes, then you are in no position to negotiate for a pay increase.

If your answer is no, go ahead and have the talk with your boss. After you have done your research on compensation levels in the industry, evaluate your skills and experience to determine if you are worth the amount you are asking for.

The goal is to convince the top management that even though you are asking for a salary increase, it’s highly unlikely that they will find someone like you to fill the position.

Ensure you bring along copies of your employee evaluation, letters of commendation as well as documents showing the goals you have already accomplished for the company.

3. Pick the best timing

If you want to be taken serious when you ask for a pay rise, pick the right moment to do so. Asking for a salary increase when your company is going through economic turmoil is not the right time. Neither is asking for a pay rise when the company has just registered losses.

In order to be in a better position to negotiate a salary, it’s better if you are aware of the financial status of your organization.

4. Learn how to negotiate successfully

Now that you have done your research and understand the best time to ask for a raise, you need to sharpen your negotiations skills.

Remember that it’s not all about you and it’s not a matter of a win – lose situation where you win and your employer loses. The talk is all about negotiating successfully so that both parties leave the table feeling confident about the decision they have made.

Remember as long as you know what your worth, having that salary talk shouldn’t be something to sweat over.

Related: How To Negotiate A Salary As An Entry Level Job Seeker

Lilian Wamaitha is a Communications and Digital Marketing Officer at Career Point Kenya. Contact her via lilian@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke. Click here to like us on Facebook.