The rules of war apply when asking for a pay increase - in the nicest possible way of course. And forget the recession, the rules are the same, regardless of the state of the economy.
First and foremost you need to put yourself inside the head of the enemy (the boss)
and remember, if you go into battle all steamed up and under-prepared the only casualty is likely to be you.
For example, the steelworker who showed exactly why he didn't deserve a raise (and didn't get one) when he arrived unannounced in the manager's office to ask for one, claiming he was "worth it".
"He burst into my office and raved," said the boss. Later, the worker refused to show someone how to use a piece of equipment saying: "I am not paid enough to teach someone to do a job."
He was not fired, but when orders slowed down about six months later causing the company to downsize, this worker, surprise, surprise, was "moved on".
Pay-rsie requests, made in a reasonable manner and backed up with supporting evidence as to why you are worth it (such as comparative wages for similar work elsewhere, length of time since last pay increase), could well be successful.
Most employers often find it much easier to do what is needed to retain a valuable employee than train a new one.
People whose opening line is "I am as good as the people I work with so I deserve the same money" are usually wrong, but you will find employers generally reward employees who return good value.
If your employer cannot come to the party financially there may be other ways you can be rewarded for your good work - perhaps a cellphone, broadband from home or even a carpark.
But things have changed. Your biggest asset used to be your house. Now it's your job.
MAKE A NOTE
1 Treat the exercise as you would a job application. Be really well-prepared. What do you really know about the company you are working for?
2 Look smart. Presentation does matter.
3 Just as you tailor your CV for a specific application, prepare a good case to support your request for an increase. "Because I am worth it" won't cut it. Ask yourself, "what am I worth, what are my strong points". Think it through. Stick to the facts and don't get emotional.
4 Volunteer for extra tasks, work harder and better to increase value to your company.
5 Keep learning.
6 Check out how much you are worth in the wider workplace - are you really underpaid?
7 Think about what your boss may say when you present your request (get into the mind of the enemy).
8 Prepare notes on what you have achieved for your company and when you have gone the extra mile to take to the meeting.
9 Put thought into a fall-back position. The boss may not be amenable to paying more for the same work, so what else could you negotiate for? Better hours? Perks? more pay in exchange for picking up extra responsibilities?
10 Be polite - request a meeting, don't barge in and start raving.
11 Remember not to base your argument for a raise solely on the basis of your work performance and the worth of your labour (not that you are trying to pay off your student loan or save for your OE).
12 Have those notes handy as a back-up.
13 Always ask for a specific amount and give a timeframe for a response.
14 Be confident but not aggressive.
15 Ask for specific reasons if your increase request is rejected.
16 Never make an "or else" statement. You may be giving the boss the perfect opportunity to get rid of you.
The rules of war apply when asking for a pay increase - in the nicest possible way of course. And forget the recession, the rules are the same, regardless of the state of the economy.
First and foremost you need to put yourself inside the head of the enemy (the boss)
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