How to negotiate a pay rise

Jan 16 2008 By The Journal

Talking about salaries in the workplace is a taboo subject so it’s not surprising that people find it hard to approach their boss and ask for a pay rise.

But if you feel you deserve more money for the job you do, there are certain ways to engineer yourself a fatter pay cheque.

Most employers have salary reviews either annually or every six months but that is not to say that you shouldn’t speak to your employer if you feel your salary should be reviewed outside of these times.

Jason Greaves, head of commercial staffing at Manpower, said: “Often people feel awkward about asking for more money and put their trust and faith in their employers to pay them what they’re worth.
“Nine times out of ten this is the case, however you should not sit back and assume it is. Get ahead of the game this year and do some homework on what the average salary is for your role.

This sometimes stressful process can be easily managed if you follow a few simple rules:
 
1. Do your research: find out if your salary is in line with the national average for your industry and your level.

2. Gather evidence: make sure you can prove to your employer that you are worth a pay rise. Provide salary survey information, examples of great pieces of work you have done and new responsibilities you have taken on.

3. Get a meeting: Organise a meeting with your line manager to discuss your progress and position.

4. State your case: make your case compelling, clear and concise and demonstrate that you are worth every penny of that increase.

See page two as Melissa Coutts, Manpower's regional manager for the North-East, answers questions on how to engineer yourself a pay rise.