How to Ask for a Raise at Work?

My advice is be cautious in asking for a raise in this economy...my company has been on salary freezes for almost 2 years now and it totally sucks. But it forces me to look at what I do have and be appreciative! I know the raises will come back eventually. For heaven's sake...WE HAVE JOBS! Which is more than most can say : - ) I would not push the limit when it comes to employment. There are SOOO many people who will work for less than you make now, so don't even open that door for them to use.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

In a good economy, I'd get a list of my work accomplishments ready and go over all the above and beyond the calls of duty tasks you have performed on the job, and discuss them with you boss, then ask if he/she thinks if your performance merits some consideration with regard to a raise in pay. The answer might still be no, but you tried, and you could quietly look for a better job.
In the current economy? I wouldn't dream of asking. Times are tough and corners are being cut every where. Chances are you boss hasn't had a raise in a year or two him/herself. And you can look all you want for another job, but there is a lot of competition and the jobs are few and far between. The reward for doing a great job right now is - you get to keep your job.
It's hard, but the economy will pick up eventually. Once it does, lots of people will be looking for new jobs to get out of the rut they are all stuck in at the moment.

Hi S.,

First off, I do know that most often, just the act of sitting down and asking will get you a lot of respect and most likely a raise! You've gotten a lot of good advice already. I agree with assessing your specific situation and company. (If you don't normally have annual reviews: When was your last raise, your tenure, your job duties, goals met etc) I tend to disagree with the idea of not asking because of the bad economy. If they haven't made any formal announcements that times are tough or "no raises this year" - or even if they have - there's still no harm in asking. You can acknowledge that times are tough and that you're grateful to have work in the meeting but still show them how much you're worth. If they say no or don't give you as much as you ask for, you can request a re-visit in six months or so to let them know you're serious about your worth and your position. One thing I'd steer away from is mentioning any personal hardships, debts etc... I think most employers know that people struggle but technically for them it's about your job and their business (vs. my spouse lost a job, my mortgage payments etc.) Just be confident and creative! You could even work a deal for increased benefits if they don't grant a raise - help with healthcare, child care, transportation etc. I think 2% or 3% per year is the average wage increase but not sure. Good luck!

There are alot of questions here. Do you get along with your boss? Does he think you do a great job? Have others gotten a raise and you've not? Can the company afford a raise? How much pull does your boss have in the scheme of things. One of my boss's couldn't get a pencil if he wanted one, so know who to talk to.
A normal cost of living raise is usually 3% or it was before all this stuff started happening. So, 3% of your salary. If you feel that you need a specific amount, like 1.00 an hour or something, then ask.
Just make sure you have all your reasons in a row on why you
1. deserve a raise
2. why you deserve this much
3. How you benefit your position, your boss and your company
4. what is in it for them.

It's always what is in it for them. I got a raise once because I told them I was going to leave. And I didn't want to, but I had no choice. My husband had just closed his business and I knew we couldn't live off my salary. I told them I was sorry, but I was going to be looking for another job. I had no choice. We had 4 kids at home.....couldn't make it.

So, just be honest, and assess yourself too from their point of view. The last company I worked for felt everyone should just be happy they gave me a job. Let alone give you a raise....that was unheard of. So, do what you feel you need to do.
Good Luck. Be Strong and hang in there.

I only once asked for a raise. I'd been with the company for probably 7 years and I just asked my boss if I could meet with her. Then, I told her I felt I deserved one and told her about how hard I'd been working etc. She said she thought maybe I was going to tell her I was leaving. So, maybe that was a good strategy. I think an e-mail is good too because it gives you a chance to list all your accomplishments. I did get a raise, but it really didn't do much for me as it was a small amount and then I didn't get a raise at the normal time - my yearly performance review.
I wouldn't ask in this economy. My company was on a raise freeze last year and our bonuses for X-mas were less than half what we normally get.
Best of luck to you!!!!!!! This ecomony is so lame!

I would say to prepare yourself by pointing out all the positive things you have brought to the company. I wish you a lot of luck. I have been asking for a raise for 4 years now and have yet to see one. I would have been happy with a cost-of-living raise even but got nothing... needless to say, I had to file bankruptcy.

I am not looking for a new job.

This depends on the type of company you work in. I recently asked for a 10% raise and got it. I work for a large medical center. I sent my boss and the department's financial officer a short email listing my accomplishments since my last raise. The email was something like this: "This email is to request an salary increase of 10%. I believe that this raise is justified because, since 2005 I have brought in X dollars to the department in grant funds and I have taken responsibility for the X project, etc. I plan to continue to increase the funds I bring in by doing X...". You get my point. Please do NOT say that you need the money for this or that (to pay for my daughter's preschool, in my case). Your personal financial issues are not their problem. Just stick to the facts and state your accomplishments, the value that you have brought in to your company and how you will continue to increase value in the future.
I also have 5 employees. I tell them to give me a summary of their accomplishments every year. I usually give them 3-5% cost of living salary increases per year if they have been productive, which is usually the case or they would not be working with me :) Good luck.

Having been a second-line manager for many years prior to staying at home FT with my daughters, let me try to provide some thoughts from management's perspective that might help you out.

1. A raise is merited when an individual expands her job scope, performs above and beyond her peers and / or is a "high-risk" employee -- meaning that the company does not want this person because it would be a tremendous loss to the team. Think *honestly* about whether any of these descriptions applies to you and then make a list of your supporting points.

2. A cost of living argument -- *particularly* in this economy -- is a rather weak argument and I'd avoid it. Really? The only reason you deserve a raise is bc the cost of living has gone up? Not because you are a great worker? Skip this; everyone is feeling the pain right now -- including your boss.

3. Assuming that you have a positive relationship with your superiors and direct boss, a friendly, non-confrontational discussion on salary is always an ok conversation to have. Use your instincts and don't get argumentative or defensive. It all depends on when you've last received a raise, what your company's policy is regarding raises and whether they are in a freeze right now. My recommendation is to make your points but be open to hearing that it isn't going to happen right now. If you can, communicate that you understand in a positive manner. A boss really appreciates someone who helps them out in this type of situation rather than causes them more stress; because as often as not, the boss would like to give a raise but can't.

4. Assuming that the raise isn't goign to happen right now, shift the conversation in the following directions: "Can you give me feedback on whether or not I am on target to get an increase when the economy gets stronger?" "Is there more you'd like me to be doing?" "I plan to continue to work just as hard as I currently am and I'm committed in the long-term to the success of this team so I know that eventually an increase will come. Can you help me by providing feedback and guidance on my performance so that I will be in a good position to get an increase down the road?" etc.

Good luck with this!

I agree with some of the PP's who have advised you to outline your accomplishments. Also, outline any additional responsibilities and duties you have taken on above and beyond your normal job description. Don't add any personal situations (hubby is out of work, kid starting a new school, etc). It needs to be all about job performance and accomplishments. I think you could start at asking for 3-5%.

be careful about asking for one with the way things are nowadays. I think it depends on your industry. If it is one that is thriving and has not seen a large downturn, then you could probably ask. However, if it is an industry that has suffered greatly then I would not ask at all. I assume that the worst thing they could tell you would be no. Good luck and I hope you get it!