#WhyNot- Women Asking For a Raise in Job

By Umaima Malbary

The fact that you’ve clicked on this means that you understand how simply awesome you are and how deserving you are of a raise. Now, since you’ve done the major work by understanding that you deserve this raise, let us guide you through the rest of the process.

Laying down the groundwork:

Start with the most crucial part of this activity: Data Collection. No authoritative figure will give you a raise no matter how good your relationship with them is without knowing why you deserve this raise. You know you deserve it, explain it to them as well. Remember your last performance review? Gather all your praises, statistics where you did well, projects that you did where you succeeded, and instances where you helped your coworkers where you were needed.

Next, understand your worth. Think about the figure you want to ask for. This way you will be certain about what you want and have a concrete number to spill when asked for it in the conversation. 

Consider what you are bringing to this company moving forward. Prepare a mental picture to get a clearer idea for yourself. Know that your boss hopes to keep you for the long haul if you’re at a stage to ask for a raise. Think about where you want your career in the current role to go, if it’s a raise you want or a promotion, etc. 

Put yourself in your boss’ shoes and think about what’s in it for them. Does giving you a raise benefit them in any way? Does it help ensure that they have a person whose job is secure for the near-sighted future?

When should you ask for a raise:

First and foremost what seems to be a minute detail but plays a very important role in this is how your boss’ mood is. You should pick a time when your boss is very happy and/or you were a part of a very big and successful project. This results in you being in your boss’ good books already and gives you a little push that you desperately need.

Words to use while asking for a raise:

Now that we have your statistics and you have picked the right time to ask for a raise, how to begin? You cannot exactly have a clear script for this but there are certain things you should keep in mind; be clear with what you want, talk in specific terms like your desired number, and be candid. Before you approach, record yourself on any device and listen to how you talk. You should look like you are oozing with confidence and only your body language will help you achieve that.

Start the conversation by expressing gratitude for how your company has helped you reach heights and pushed you to grow. Present the statistics and the data that you have collected about the progress that you have made over your time period in the company. Express your excitement for your future. Give them some time to understand you and use clear, relevant words after which let them study your data by giving them some space. Let them tell you how they are thinking and be prepared to answer generic questions like, ”Why do you think you deserve this raise?”

If the answer is yes:

Contain yourself. You have plenty of time to go home and jump around with your friends and family for all the new weekend dinners that you might have with the extra cash. Stand your professional ground. Have a clear picture of what you are getting by discussing it thoroughly. Ask questions. Understand decently if the raise applies any new responsibilities to you and keep a mental notepad. Negotiate! Try hard not to settle but don’t give up on a smaller than expected number because that small number is one step in the right direction which will, in turn, help you grow personally and professionally.

If the answer is no:

Don’t be disheartened! There can be several reasons why the raise was not given to you. The company might not have any wiggle room to spend extra right now. Take this as a learning experience and know that now your boss will keep you in mind if anything comes up. Know that you can only move up from where you are right now. If there is no way that your salary can be increased right now, ask for additional perks like extra vacation days, better work timings, etc. Thank them for their time and ask them for ways that your salary can be increased by asking for additional tasks, building a timetable, and setting specific tasks and goals.

Just as Jessica Chastain said,” We need to reevaluate that women who ask for a pay raise or ask for a promotion - it’s actually an okay thing.”

Doesn’t seem too intimidating right? The worst that can happen is rejection! Either way, you will understand how to advocate for yourself. You will never know if you would get the raise if you don’t ask for it. So go ask what you deserve!