How to Ask for Salary Increase

Times are tough nowadays. There are a lot of job layoffs and salary freezes. Companies are squeezing their budgets so employees are multitasking as of now performing two or more job responsibilities more than they usually do without getting enough salary increases. If your job responsibilities have changed and grown, you should address this situation with your manager as soon as you can. If you don’t you’ll only build resentment and also miss a valuable opportunity for professional growth.
Here are some of the tips on how to ask for a salary increase.

Find your original job description. If you don’t have one, write one for yourself, outlining as clearly as you can the job responsibilities you were hired to do. Then, on a second page, write a detailed outline of what you’re actually doing for comparison. Now, you’re ready to ask for a five-minute meeting with your boss. Ask either in person or, even better, by email - which keeps your boss from feeling ambushed and lets him plan for the possibility of salary increase.

Start the meeting by telling your boss how much you like your job and working for him. Mention how you’re enjoying your new job responsibilities and thank him for the confidence he’s shown in assigning them to you. Now comes the hard part- asking for a salary increase! Simply say, “I feel I should be paid more for taking on the added responsibilities, and I hope you agree.”

Keep talking. Your heart’s probably now in your throat but just go on. Mention the specific salary increase you are asking as a percentage increase from your current salary. If he doesn’t agree with the amount, all you’ll have to work out is the figure.

If he says no, ask him when you might expect a salary raise for the responsibilities you’ve taken on, and have him commit to another review date. Before you end the meeting, ask your boss for his feedback on what you’re doing well and where you could improve. Once the economic forecast improves and there is more flexibility in your company’s budget, you’ll be the first person he considers for a salary raise.