How To Ask For A Raise

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links on our site, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend.

Image Not Available

With unemployment at historic highs, you might think that this is the worse possible time to ask for a raise. But that’s not necessarily true. Especially if you know exactly how to do it.

“Getting a raise is about your overall value and output and your overall work. Not so much the fact that you’re bankrupt, you’re buying a new car or the fact that somebody else in your family needs money.”
-Bahaudin Mujtaba, Nova Southeastern University

That’s how NOT to ask for more money: whining that you need it. According to this management professor, here’s a better path to a raise. Step One? Assessing yourself. Making sure that you’re actually worthy of a raise. Making sure that you deserve the raise.

Once you’ve assessed your value to your employer, it’s time for step two: proving it.

“Others in the company or outside the company for similar jobs are making more money than I therefore I think I deserve a salary increase now or in the coming months.”
-Bahaudin Mujtaba, Nova Southeastern University

Company laying off? Believe it or not, that may be a good time to ask for more money.

“If three people get laid off, I can pick up some of the slack, I can get that work done. Therefore my value to the company increases. So it does not hurt to go and ask for a raise, especially if you’re doing more work than you did before.”
-Bahaudin Mujtaba, Nova Southeastern University

And last but not least? Don’t ever be focused entirely on the dough.

“It shouldn’t come across that the only thing you’re focused on is money. Because the manager wants to see that you’re committed to the company, the causes of the company and the overall success of the company.”
-Bahaudin Mujtaba, Nova Southeastern University

Bottom line? If there’s one takeaway from this story, it’s that you never go to your boss and tell them that you need a raise. You go to your boss and explain why you deserve a raise.

Get smarter with your money!

Want the best money-news and tips to help you make more and spend less? Then sign up for the free Money Talks Newsletter to receive daily updates of personal finance news and advice, delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletter today.