Getting a Raise

5 steps to getting a salary increase

Successfully asking your employer for a raise requires preparation. Five key steps that will help you get that raise are:

1. Research the job market

  • Identify the market demand for your job role/occupation
  • Investigate job opportunities (print and online) and talk to contacts at other companies.
  • Consult salary surveys and compare salary levels for your job.

2. Know what you have to offer

  • Gather information about your past performance.
  • Be clear about your strengths.
  • Consider what you have to offer your employer in the future.

3. Find out what your employer and/or organisation needs in the future

  • Identify where you fit in your organisation's plans and objectives
  • Find out what skills/support services your employer requires now and in the future and ask yourself how you can address these requirements

4. Rehearse or role-play what you are going to say to your employers

  • Prepare and practise making your proposal.
  • Consider whether you will accept alternative benefits or options to a salary increase.

5. Initiate a discussion

  • Request a meeting. Show commitment and confidence in your proposal.
  • Keep in mind that you may not get an answer at the first meeting.

Do your follow up

  • Summarise the meeting outcomes and forward communications to your employer within 24 hours to ensure that all points raised are equally understood.
  • If you do not get an acceptable outcome, reflect on what worked at the meeting and what did not. Ask for a follow up meeting in 3 or 6 months time.

Re-published with permission from DFP Recruitment Services

DFP Recruitment ServicesAbout DFP Recruitment Services
DFP provides specialist recruitment services to a diverse range of industries. DFP is able to provide temporary and permanent recruitment solutions in the white collar, call centre, mid to senior executive, legal, operational and blue collar market segments.