Posted On: April 5, 2010

Asking for a pay raise is an awkward but necessary step to advancement in your field. It can definitely be one of the most uncomfortable things you will have to do in your career, but if done correctly, can yield pleasing results.

Before asking for a raise, it is important to consider a few things.

Timing:



Timing is an important element to consider, both timing within your company as well as timing in the day. If your company is under major stress or difficult financial times, it’s probably best to wait it out. As well if your boss is just walking in the door or piled high with a list of to-dos, it’s probably not the best time to dive into it.

Your bosses’ pay practices:



Consider your bosses’ previous pay practices. Does he or she tend to pay above average for positions, or keep it at the minimal level? If your boss seems to be quite generous with the pay scale, and you feel you deserve a greater part in the generosity, asking for a salary raise could work out to your benefit.

Look at the market:



Keep the market and local economic status in mind. A paycheck for a New Yorker is obviously going to be higher than maybe someone in Nebraska with the same occupation. Look at what other people in your position are making in your area. If you’re making lower than this, you may have a good chance at getting your boss to increase your pay.

Really what it comes down to is what you’re made of. If you think you deserve a pay increase, and have work and examples to prove that, asking your boss for a raise is worth a shot.

If an awkward situation is keeping you from asking, don’t let it. Yes, it will probably make you uncomfortable, but the only way it can happen is if you ask. Be confident and show your boss that you really do deserve a pay raise.