Getting the Raise You Deserve:
What You Really Need to Know and Do to Finally Make it Happen
by
www.Sedona.com
There’s good news for employees in 2007: The majority of employers (81 percent) plan to increase workers’ salaries, and 65 percent plan to raise wages by at least 3 percent, according to a poll by Harris Interactive and Careerbuilder.com. Wondering where your salary fits in overall? The average U.S. salary was $40,146 in 2005, a 3.5 percent increase from 2004, according to a U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis study. While salaries typically rise about 3 percent each year (salaries in 2006 rose about 3.7 percent, according to the 2005-2006 National Salary Budget Survey), this “raise” is actually just enough to cover inflation and will allow you to basically break even. A merit-based raise should exceed the rate of inflation. “You want to make sure you are protected against inflation, but that’s a baseline,” says Ron Krannich, co-author of “Dynamite Salary Negotiations. A raise should be given for performance, not inflation.” Do You Deserve a Raise? Most employees believe they should be paid more, but whether they really should be is another story. A Salary.com survey found that 57 percent of people looking for a new job were doing so because they believed they were underpaid. However, only 19 percent of the workforce is actually underpaid, according to the site, while another 17 percent are overpaid and 34 percent are making a fair amount. How can you determine if you really do deserve a raise? Check out how your salary compares to rates in your area, determine how well you do your job (Are you easily replaceable? Do you bring skills or contacts to the company that others do not?), and whether you’re willing to take on the extra responsibility that a promotion would require. How to Get the Raise You Deserve If you find you’re underpaid (or not as highly paid as you’d like) and feel your performance dictates a raise, then you probably are raise-worthy. Some people do, in fact, avoid asking for a raise when they should because a fear of failure is holding them back. If you feel you deserve a raise, but are afraid to ask, The Sedona Method, a simple, scientifically proven system, can help you to release this fear and anxiety and replace it with increased self-esteem and confidence. Once you are ready to get the raise you know you deserve, use these key tips to help: - Time it right. Most companies will consider a raise once every 12 months (not sooner) so space your request a good time out from your last salary review.
- Be prepared to prove yourself. Come prepared with a list of concrete reasons why you deserve a raise (research showing similar salaries in the area, sales records, special skills, contacts you provide, money you’ve made the company, etc.).
- Be polite. Don’t demand a raise or give ultimatums (unless you’re prepared to follow through with them). Simply discuss your qualifications and state what you’d like.
- Be flexible. You may get everything you’re asking for, or you may get a portion of it. Be willing to compromise by accepting other benefits outside of a pay increase, such as more vacation days or better health coverage.
- Stay positive. If you don’t get the raise, don’t be discouraged. Learn from the experience and put in the necessary effort so that you’ll be sure to get the raise next time.
Sources: ABC News January 9, 2007 The Scoop on Salary Increases Break through now by ordering your full Sedona Method Audio Program
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