What's the best way to ask for a raise?

[Ausm]

You must catch him in a good mood worked for me

Ausm

 

[Kosugi]

Interesting question indeed.


If you were working for a mega-corp, then they have very set rules for increasing pay.


For instance, I am allowed to evaluate a new hire every 11 months for a pay increase up to 10%. The 10% is actually a pipe dream, as 5% is all HR would agree on unless there was a severe shortage of talent (like during Y2K).

For more senior people, the timeframe to evaluate is much longer, a person with 20 years experience would be eligible for evaluation every 18-23 months!

This is because they want to move the new hires up in the pay range quicker, since they usually are at the bottom of their pay range. While someone with 20 years would be at the high end of their pay range, and have less room to advance.

So, the bottom line is that if you were working in my company, then I couldn't give you a raise unless it was your "time" regardless of how much I wanted to. Be thankful you have more latitude than I or the people in my company.

 

[Namuna]

Do it in person, there's NO DOUBT about that decision.

How?
Let's look at it from a Boss' perspective...He's got a budget he's working with. He's got people he reports to. And he's got to keep things fair with others in your position, but also must keep people motivated (which usually means how much to pay them).

So your plan of attack is to help him, help you! The best way to do that is to hit him with reasons WHY you deserve a raise (things like what you've done, that you're diligent in your work, get to work on time, and such).

I'm against the idea of finding something else and THREATENING to leave unless you get more to stay...How would you feel if someone did that to you? I'd personally say "Have a nice life, goodbye".

Here's a sidenote: If he WON'T or CAN'T give you more money, that doesn't necessarily mean he doesn't have a budget for TRAINING! Hit him up for all the training you can! In the long run, that's your BEST means of getting money...To have certifications!

Good luck!