Salary Increase: The next milestone in your professional life is approaching: You are completing professional training, an important project has been successfully completed or you are given additional tasks? Then now is the right time to adjust your salary accordingly and to request a salary increase.
Many employees shy away from the question of more money and women in particular are often uncomfortable with this situation – but whoever dares, never wins!
We give you five helpful tips to convince your boss of a salary increase.
1. Preparation is the be-all and end-all – be prepared
The most important basis in a salary interview is a bag full of meaningful arguments that justify your desired salary. If you prepare them perfectly, your boss will have fewer reasons to deny you the money you are asking for. In the conversation, start with the weaker arguments and end with the most important argument in favor of a salary increase.
To underline your foundation you can also show your successes. Prepare them visually, in the form of a small presentation in digital and printed versions.
For example, optimized processes, successful events or cost savings for which you are responsible can be listed here.
You should also find out about the average salary in your industry, region and for your position. In this way, you can get an overview and classify your manager’s offer directly.
2. Get the timing right – Fridays are perfect
There are many good but also many less favorable times for a salary discussion: You should rather avoid the discussion with your manager if the economic situation leaves something to be desired or if jobs are already being cut in the company. Better, however, is a time when your boss does not have to keep important appointments and can find a quiet minute. If a project is then successfully completed or a negotiation with a customer has ended positively, the time for your salary interview is perfect – and as an assistant, you usually know your boss’s schedule better than he does. Fridays are a good time, because Managers also look forward to a relaxing weekend and are usually in a better mood on Fridays.
3. Don’t talk about “raise” – you are not a supplicant!
The word “salary increase” has a stale aftertaste for many managers. It initially suggests higher expenses – but what does your boss actually get for it? If you ask for more money, you should rather use the word “salary adjustment”, since your performance has also been or will be adjusted. In general, you should not see yourself as a petitioner, in return for a salary adjustment, your manager will also receive an adjusted benefit.
4. Never accept the first offer – bargaining is a must!
If you’re (surprisingly) pleased with your manager’s first offer, don’t take it. Negotiating is a must in salary talks. If your boss notices that you can be satisfied quickly, he will also doubt whether you can negotiate well in the interests of the company. And don’t forget: even if your boss insists that he can no longer pay, every offer is basically negotiable.
5. Alternatives to a raise – it doesn’t always have to be money
If your employer is currently unable to pay you a higher salary, try to increase your previous salary, for example by reducing your working hours. Supervisors are usually more receptive to this possibility and you benefit from it too – after all, a 4-day week with the same salary is something to be proud of. Home office days or special leave are also attractive alternatives to a salary increase.
Extras such as fuel vouchers or staff discounts are also welcome, as these are usually tax-free for the employer.
Caution! You should avoid this when negotiating salary
An absolute no-go in a salary negotiation is to threaten to be fired if the boss does not meet your expectations. This not only creates a pressure situation, but also an unpleasant working atmosphere – you are doing yourself a disservice
You should also avoid claiming false facts: if you wave an offer from another employer that doesn’t even exist to convince your boss, you can quickly catapult yourself out of business and damage your image if it turns out that it’s just an offer bluff.
Conclusion – nothing stands in the way of your salary increase
In conclusion, salary talks every year and a half are appropriate. Important: This should be based on proven success, newly acquired skills or other achievements that justify a salary adjustment at that moment.
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