Tom O'Neil: Five keys to getting a raise

Before asking your boss, think about some key achievements you have had over the last 12 months.

Do you always have month left over at the end of your salary? This is of course a tricky subject to broach, however, using the right approach can dramatically increase the chances of getting your manager to say "yes"!

Know what your job is worth

Are you being paid fairly for the job you do? Every job type has a pay range, so find out where you fit across your industry. A great way to do this is to compare similar types of roles on Seek or Trade Me. When you find an advertised job that looks similar, tweak the salary settings to determine what the role is paying.

Don't forget however to think also in terms of intangible benefits that are not included in the financial component of your total remuneration package. Great perks such as flexi-time, health insurance and company car all add up!

Research your achievements

Before asking your boss, think about some key achievements you have had over the last 12 months. Have you been awarded further responsibility in your role? Did you recently receive a customer commendation? Did you improve a system that saves your team hundreds of hours of work over a year? Have you been involved in training or coaching other team members in their role?

Take the time to quantify these achievements beforehand, making sure you mention financial figures, time saved, income created or people trained, in detail. By highlighting these points in a positive way, you make it very difficult for your manager not to see your value clearly.

Be pleasant about it

Don't be demanding or rude as you approach this question, as no employer likes feeling they have a 'gun to their head'. Deal with the subject maturely and in a positive way, and there is a far greater chance your outcome will be positive.

Can't get a raise? Try and negotiate a bonus

Sometimes the budget for a raise may just not be there. However, this is not the end of the process. Agree between yourself and your boss on what top performance in your role looks like, then propose that if you meet or exceed these criteria, you receive a one-off bonus. This helps your boss get closer to a 'yes', as is viewed as a 'win / win' for both of you. You perform well, they get the benefit!

Bonuses also do not commit your organisation to a permanent salary change, so can sometimes be easier to get your boss to agree to.

Still no?

If you can't get your boss onside, graciously accept the 'no', however, ask what you what would have to do to merit an increase, and when you may have the opportunity to broach the subject again. Any rational manager will see that you are dealing the situation professionally, and will hopefully give you some good pointers to secure that raise next time you ask.

Contact Tom for a free Linkedin or CV review, or to be your personal career coach.

Visit www.CareerCoach.nz or www.CV.co.nz to find out more.