What’s the Best way of getting a pay rise

I can’t believe that, well into the 21st century, the gender pay gap still exists so severely across Britain with minimal commitment to change. With the majority of households requiring both men and women to go to work, why should the rate of pay be different for the delivery of the same job? The concept is archaic and more should be done to bring about equality.

More broadly, there are many people in Britain who are working exceptionally hard on a disproportionate wage. Through the recession only the brave asked for a pay rise (probably unsuccessfully) but now with the improving economy, more people are hoping for a pay rise and many are asking for one.

Asking for more money can be awkward and is often approached badly. Threatening to leave, comparing salary to colleagues, or claiming to need it for personal reasons are all common opening lines – all of which do nothing to ingratiate you with your employer! If you feel you deserve more money, please do ask, but follow my top tips below to get it right:

1. Do your research. You may not be able to find out what others are earning in your company, so best to head to the internet and look for job adverts for similar jobs in similar companies to your own. Look for salary survey results which might demonstrate an average for your occupation and put together a report that demonstrates you’re on a disparate wage.

2. Find personal evidence. You’ll need to demonstrate that you’ve not only being doing your job well, but that you’ve been going over and above to deliver exceptional results. List your achievements and the impact you’ve made. Think of the revenue you’ve generated or the money you’ve saved.

3. Pick the right time. Take stock of where your company is at; if they have yet to grow following the recession it might not be the best time to ask for more money. Equally, approaching your manager needs to be done tactfully and at an appropriate time, not just before they go home or come out of a meeting.

4. Think of your opening line. Be open in that you want to discuss something of importance and confidential in nature with them, ask them when the best time to meet with them will be.

5. Bring your evidence. Once at your meeting, bring along your evidence both of the market and your personal performance. Highlight what you feel would be appropriate in terms of a raise (generally 1%-5% would be acceptable), and talk about what you intend to deliver in the future that will justify the increase.

6. Be professional. If you’re unsuccessful, don’t behave badly. Be constructive and ask your manager what more you can do to justify a pay rise, put together a performance development plan that you can use as a benchmark for further discussions. Don’t lose heart, use it to strengthen your position in the company and if done well, you may be surprised for the decision to be overturned.

Good luck. if you need some help please get in touch on penny@pennystrutton.co.uk