How to Convince Your Boss to Give You a Payraise

This article is part of our Finance Hub.

Who Doesn’t Want a Pay Raise?

Everyone loves a raise. Now, whether or not your boss shares that enthusiasm, well…that’s a different story.

Maybe you’re planning on moving, or you’re going through a divorce. Perhaps your income is just not enough for your lifestyle. Whatever your situation is, asking for a raise can be a nerve-wracking experience.

We can’t magically help you get a pay raise, but we can give you some tips for requesting one.

Consider the Value You Bring to the Company

Why do you deserve a raise? Put your request in terms your boss will understand, and you’ll up your odds of bringing home a couple more slices of bacon next month. Remember, pay raises aren’t given away, they’re earned. You’ve got to show your boss what they’ll get for their money. Here are some ideas.

• Your contributions to the company. How have you helped the company grow?
• Salary rates of other colleagues. Are you doing the same amount of work as someone in a higher pay grade?
• Times you put in extra work. Make sure to recall times you went above and beyond the call of duty in your job.

When you take these factors into consideration, it can greatly influence if your employer will give you a pay raise or not.

Pick the Right Time and Place

If you’re not careful, your raise might get denied simply because you asked at the wrong time and the wrong place. Give your employer the time and space necessary to make big decisions.

Here are some do’s and don’t’s for the time and place to ask for a pay raise.

• Do ask for a raise early in the week, when everyone is fresh and relaxed from the weekend.
• Don’t ask for a pay raise at the end of the week. The last thing your boss wants is a work issue to think about over the weekend.
• Do ask for a raise at a time when your employer has time and energy.
• Don’t ask for a pay raise when your employer appears busy, frustrated, or preoccupied.
• Do ask for a pay raise in private, preferably in a quiet setting.
• Don’t ask for a pay raise in front of co-workers.
• Do give your boss time and space to think about your request.
• Don’t ask for an immediate decision.

Arrange a meeting ahead of time so you’ll have your boss’s undivided attention.

Always Maintain Respect and Professionalism

Whether you get a yes or a no, make sure you end the meeting cordially. A handshake and a thank-you are always a good closer. We hope these tips will get you a resounding “yes!” on your pay raise!

If your raise is denied, it might be time to think about changing jobs. Just make sure to keep doing your best until the day you leave, so when you turn in your notice, you’ll be able to take a shining professional reference to your next job.

Nobody likes getting a pay raise request turned down, but unfortunately, sometimes it just happens. If you’re struggling to make ends meet, a payday loan can help you get to the next paycheck. My Canada Payday can get you a loan for up to $1500 in as little as 15 minutes.