Planning makes perfect when it comes to a pay rise

According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, 2013 saw the most sustained and severe decrease in wages since World War II. With experts reporting that the UK’s economy is beginning to improve, now is the time to ask for a pay rise. Here are some points to keep in mind to ensure your request is heard and hopefully actioned.

Pick your moment
Be conscious of everything that’s happening in your company; if it has reported a decrease in profit, it’s probably not the best time to bring up your wages. Likewise, the day of the week is important. There’s nothing your boss wants to hear less on a Monday morning or Friday afternoon than complaints about pay.

Keep a record of your achievements
When you ask for a pay rise, you have to be prepared to justify the increase. Make a list of all your accomplishments to demonstrate your contribution to the company, especially if you played a part in a major project. It’s also a good idea to have colleagues or managers on hand who can sing your praises if the HR department evaluates your request.

Follow the policies
Research your company’s policy on pay rises to be sure you’re following the correct procedures. Your request is likely to be thrown out if your contract clearly states that you’re only entitled to a wage increase on your anniversary. There may also be guidelines for discussing your salary, so make sure you’re speaking to the right people.

Don’t be greedy
It’s always a good idea to look at job listings outside of your company for similar roles so you can keep updated on the going pay rate. Don’t rely on what you think your colleagues are earning, either. You’ll look petty if you make a claim that the person at the next desk is making more money, plus you might be wrong.

Do more work
While it may seem pointless to work harder for the same pay, it might just give you an advantage when it comes to reviewing your salary. Volunteer for a big project and do everything you can to make it a success. You can even try making someone above you look good so they’ll get a promotion and you can fill their vacancy.

Be prepared to negotiate
If your request is rejected, learn from it and figure out what you could have done to be more successful. Be open to negotiation and propose employee benefits in place of a direct pay rise, such as a company car, subsidised travel, or training – especially if it adds value to your role.