Everybody hopes to be compensated fairly and receives raises when we work hard and do well in our jobs without asking. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t work that way. However unpleasant and nerve wrecking it is, we have to ask for the raise, make a case for why we deserve it, and do it in a way that makes sense to our employer. As they say, those that don’t ask, often don’t get. Below are 5 things not to do when negotiating for a raise.
Do not think of it
as a battle
Most of us see the negotiation for a raise as the organization versus us. The first step towards success is to see the negotiation as a conversation, rather than a fight. That thinking alone would make you more likely to be successful. Roy Cohen, career coach, encourages his clients to use the phrase you’re looking forward to “working together” when making your case. He insisted, “Unless you know for sure that you are indispensable, and few of us ever are, successful negotiation should never become adversarial. That is a bad sign that the process has broken down or will.”
Do not just wink it
Never walk into the negotiation without doing proper research. Nancy Ancowitz, presentation and career coach and author of Self-Promotion for Introverts, said you ought to have the following information up your sleeve before you even think about walking into your boss’ room – “What do the competitors offer people like you? How well does your company pay versus other organizations?”
Do not negotiate with only you in mind
Most of us negotiate focusing on ourselves – why I need a raise and why I deserve it. But Jim Norman, a former HR executive at Kraft Foods Group, said you should be preparing your argument in the company’s language. “You [have to] be clear about how you’ve added value in a quantifiable role. It might not be in dollars if you’re in an activity-based role. ” For example, let’s say you’re in a call center, Norman said, ” and the standard is x, and the satisfaction standard is 4.0 and you consistently scored 4.8, higher than any of your peers, or you are then able to turn those customer calls into increased business.” You should go into the discussion with that line of thought instead of how you need a bigger house or car because you now have two kids.
Do not focus on
salary alone
Many people tend to negotiate on their base salary alone but Bryant Galindo, founder and CEO, of Workplace Collaborations, a negotiation and conflict resolution company, said, “There are many other little things, you just never think about, that in the long run, can make you happier.” You can ask for additional vacation time or flexibility so you can work from home a few days a week. Or you can ask for a sponsorship in taking a course or two that you know will help you do your job better. So bear in mind to negotiate for other perks if a raise isn’t possible for that year.
Do not issue
an ultimatum
Issuing an ultimatum is a huge no-no in the negotiation process. It might be tempting to blurt out you have another offer waiting for you, but experts caution against this route. If you don’t have a job offer, the organization might find out, and if you genuinely do have an offer, your loyalty will be questioned. Your boss will wonder if you truly want to build your career with the organization since a higher salary could easily sway you. This means you can kiss future promotions and key projects goodbye. Why bother giving opportunities to someone who already have one foot out the door and eyes that are already looking for a new job? “You can’t give an ultimatum; it can’t be a tone of resentment. It can’t be a sense of, you owe this to me, it can’t be anything like that. And I think sometimes, that tone might get there. The employee might feel underpaid, undervalued, underloved,” said Jim Norman, a former HR executive at Kraft Foods Group.
