So You Feel You Deserve a Raise?

Do you feel that you have worked above and beyond the requirements of your position and should receive a raise? Maybe you should. The best way to approach the subject is to first get the information regarding the requirements of the position as they were when you first hired on. Make a comprehensive list of exactly the tasks that were described to you when you accepted the position for the set pay amount. Now make a second list of all the tasks that you are currently doing successfully that were not on the first list.

In some cases you may not have taken on new tasks, but have streamlined the original tasks. Maybe you have learned how to accomplish more in less time, thus saving the company money. Maybe the tasks are the same, but the work load has increased and you have managed to keep up with the increased workload. Make sure to include this information on your second list.

Once you have this completed, you have created a ‘case’ for requesting a pay increase. You now have documentation that supports your request for a pay raise. Finally, remember that in life, sometimes timing is everything. Make sure you request a date and time for a meeting with your boss when all is relatively quiet. Don’t pick a day when you know there is so much going on that he or she won’t have enough time to review your request. Present the facts in a professional manner without emotion and respectfully request that your boss consider increasing your compensation to match the extra value you have brought to the company. Remember, a company has to justify the money it spends. If you have not brought increased value to your position, then there is no justification to increase your pay. Good luck!

The author, Marge Bonura, is the Director of Sales & Marketing for New England Machinery, Inc. (NEM). NEM is a leading packaging machinery manufacturer of bottle unscramblers, cappers, orienters, retorquers, lidders, pluggers, pump sorter/placers, scoop feeders, hopper elevators and much more. The company has been in business since 1974 selling to the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, chemical, household products, automotive and other industries. For more information on NEM, visit their website at www.neminc.com.