How To Ask For A Pay Rise!

Negotiating a pay rise is not something many people do on a regular basis. By applying these keys you will be well positioned to improve your negotiation skills and feel more empowered when asking for a pay rise.

1. Know the outcome you want.
Do you want a win-win outcome where both you and your boss benefit? Or a win-lose outcome where your boss is not happy with the result?

It is important you know what type of outcome you want because that will affect the long term relationship you have with the other party. Win-win outcomes are beneficial where you have an ongoing relationship. For example, when you negotiate a pay rise, you don't want your boss to feel he/she is the 'loser'. However, if you are buying a car from a car lot, you may not be so concerned about whether the car salesperson feels as though they 'won' in the negotiation!

2. Know your 'position'.
How important is this job to you? How much do you need it? Could you walk away from the job? What alternatives do you have? What is your "bottom line" and what (if anything) are you prepared to concede? You should not start negotiating a pay rise until you have thought through and considered all of the consequences for all of the different outcomes that may eventuate.

Warning: never say something you are not prepared to carry through. Generally, employers do not respond well to threats, so do not say you will leave the job unless you fully intend to