Steps You’ll Need to Take When You’re Planning to Ask for a Raise

 

Asking for a raise can be a touchy and uncomfortable subject for most people, but it can also be rather frustrating to keep it all in especially when you feel like you deserve a raise. It’s natural to feel anxious about such an important subject, especially if your salary is below the average salary in singapore. As much as we would love to be credited for the work that we’ve done, many people have actually held off asking for a raise as it is such an awkward subject. In reality, asking for a raise is very normal when you’re a working adult and you should be bold when asking for one. Here are the steps you’ll need to take when you’re planning to ask your employer for a raise. 

 

Tell Yourself It is OK to Ask

 

Asking for a raise should not be something that we’re embarrassed about. Managers should be understanding and know that everyone should get a raise if they deserve it. At the end of the day, even if your manager rejects your proposal, you’re not likely to strain your relationship with the company (assuming you’re not asking for an outrageous amount you don’t deserve). Try not to think of it negatively – a raise is a way for companies to keep you and match the level that you are. If not, you would eventually find somewhere else that values you better. 

 

Timing is Key

 

Just like any other human, your manager has their good and bad days. You might then want to pick the right timing to bring up this (potentially) awkward topic when your manager is in a good mood. The worst time to bring up such a topic is if your manager is in a rush or having a bad mood. For example, a good timing would be if you managed to secure a high profile client or if your manager shows signs of liking you, that’s your chance to approach the topic. 

 

It’s Been a Year

 

Most companies will have a salary review each year. If that does not happen, you will have to be the one who initiates the conversation. In most cases, if your salary hasn’t been reviewed for the past year, it’s probably about time it gets reviewed. If your salary has been reviewed within the past 12 months, it’s quite unrealistic to request for another raise. Similarly, this also applies to new employees who have not been working at the company for at least a year. Ultimately, you will need to be clear if you have been contributing  “exceptional” work to the company. If not, it is quite unlikely you’ll be granted a raise. 

 

Raise and Budget Cycles

 

With respect to timings, it might also be helpful to track the salary review cycles of your company. Different companies work differently. If you often find yourself in a situation where you don’t know how to broach the topic of a raise, you might want to look out for raise and budget cycles. Nearer to the time of these reviews, it would be much easier for you to approach the topic. It would be really helpful if you could give a heads up to your employer or manager. We recommend 1-2 months earlier. 

Before the Meeting: How to Prepare

 

Know Your Worth

 

It might be a little hard to put a price on your work if you don’t have a yardstick to compare it to. Before asking for a raise, look up the market rates of the service you can provide. It would be helpful to also mark out trends based on the region that you’re working in, to be completely well versed in whether you’re truly being underpaid for your service. Most salary websites give a range for you to infer from, but this might be tricky considering the variety of information each website offers. We recommend spending more time in this area and making sure you fact check the information you find. 

 

Phrase Your Questions Carefully

 

If you know anyone else in the same field as you, talking to them can be very helpful in steering you in the right direction. Take note of not asking people directly what their salary is like, but throw in subtle hints instead. 

 

Company’s Salary Structure

 

Once you’ve familiarised yourself with your rightful pay and the regional trends of your industry, you will need to know if your company has any policies against asking for a salary raise. In certain companies, you will need to follow a strict rule on when you can be offered a raise. 

 

During the Meeting 

 

What to Say

 

No fancy presentations or meetings. All you will need to say is something straightforward and to the point. If you have a specific price you want to ask for, say it loud and clear. While it’s not necessarily a hard and fast rule that you will have to spill the amount you’re looking for, be 100% prepared to say it if they ask. 

 

Focus on Accomplishments

 

The reasons for your raise should be limited to only business reasons. There is no point in bringing up your stories like how you may be required to pay rent or support your elderly grandparents. Your case should be built around the contributions you’ve made and the value you have. 

 

Be Prepared for the Worst

 

Don’t expect a straightforward and firm answer after posing the question. Sometimes your manager might need to sit on it for a while before he/she can come back with a solid answer. Even if the answer is, ultimately, ‘no’, don’t worry, it’s a good opportunity for you to ask how you’ll be able to earn your raise or what is required of you. Only after that will you be able to assess for yourself if you are able to meet their requirements. 

 

That’s it! Easy as 1-2-3. Asking for a raise is a very normal part of having a job. All in all, make sure that you’ve done enough research and are confident with the amount of contribution you’ve made to the company and not make outrageous claims, you’ll be great.