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How Not to Ask for a Raise or Promotion

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), July, 1999

Why do you think you should be paid a higher salary? Is it because you need to buy season tickets to your favorite team's games? Maybe you would like to start a bird farm. Or perhaps it's just that you want to earn more than your spouse does. Believe it or not, these are among a list of actual reasons offered to managers by employees seeking raises or promotions, according to a survey by Accountemps, a nationwide temporary staffing service for accounting, finance, and bookkeeping professionals.

Managers were asked: "What are the most unusual reasons you've ever heard of employees giving for why they deserve a raise or promotion?" Here are some of the responses:

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* "It'd be good for morale."

* "A friend at another company just got the same amount I'm asking for."

* "I've been trying to earn six figures all my life."

* "I need to pay for my child's private schooling."

* "My condominium assessment has gone up."

* "I may not be productive, but I come in every day."

* "My uncle has a senior position in this company."

* "I need more money because I want a new car with leather seats."

* "My husband thinks I should be paid more."

* "I come to work each day and no one else does."

* "My wife is now earning much more than me."

* "I've had it with my neighborhood and need to move up."

* "I've stopped eating my lunch due to my heavy workload."

* "If I earned more, I could give to some very important charities."

* "I want to start a bird farm."

* One employee, who apparently didn't want to be bothered with having to be creative, simply told his manager: "I just thought it was about time I asked."

While these particular tactics were undoubtedly less than successful, they are reminders of how awkward it is for most people to ask for a raise or promotion. Nevertheless, "Discussing your prospects in the organization with your supervisor doesn't have to be an unpleasant or confrontational experience," suggests Lynn Taylor, vice president and director of research at Accountemps. "Still, it helps to build your case in advance--a longer-term strategy focused on your contributions to the business stands a much better chance of attracting management's attention.

"Look for ways to get noticed by volunteering for projects. If additional skills are required, make arrangements for the necessary training, then when it's time for a discussion of a raise or promotion, explain how you've helped enhance the firm's bottom line.

"It's also a good idea to be prepared with documentation. Providing specific benchmarks by which your successes can be measured offers stronger testimony to the extent of your achievements. Regarding salary itself, carefully research what other professionals with skills and experience similar to your own are currently paid. Timing is also critical. Don't approach a salary discussion during periods of poor company financial results or budget cuts.

"All of this may require patience. Depending on your company's annual compensation review cycle, be ready to invest some time preparing the groundwork for your case. In the end, it will be time well spent."

How Not to Ask for a Raise or Promotion

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), July, 1999

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