How can I better my chances of getting a raise?

[teal]

I realize that one of the things I need to do is get paid more than I currently do. I would say my pay is average for my position, but I do much more work than the average person. I would like to get paid for my true value, not the average.

What are some of the things I can do to better my chances of getting a large raise and moving into the top tier of pay for people in my position?

[phantom]

I think step one is to be awesome at your job, and it sounds like you're already doing that. So, good job there!

Next you just have to be prepared to make a case for how great you are and ask for what you want. If you have annual reviews, that would be a good time to ask for a raise. If not, wait till after some big accomplishment and after you've been at the same place for at least a year, and just go ask.

Some companies can't or won't pay more for employees who really deserve it. If you work for one of those, be prepared to seek a job with a company that can and will reward you monetarily for being awesome.

Finally, if you are doing so much more than the average person in your position, are you sure you have the right position? If you just mean you're extra productive, maybe you're in the right place. But, if you've taken on higher level responsibilities that someone in your position normally wouldn't do, maybe the path to higher pay is a job position where you can really make use of all of your skills.

[Retired To Win]

I realize that one of the things I need to do is get paid more than I currently do. I would say my pay is average for my position, but I do much more work than the average person. I would like to get paid for my true value, not the average.

What are some of the things I can do to better my chances of getting a large raise and moving into the top tier of pay for people in my position?

Key is going to be for you to get your superior output and true value seen and acknowledged by those in a position to approve/recommend/influence that raise. If you let us know what kind of work you do and under what circumstances, we might come up with some specific ideas.

Good luck.

[ua_guy]

My biggest leaps in income have always come from changing jobs either within the organization, or leaving. Annual increases, even despite outstanding/exceptional performance reviews mostly amount to nothing, especially for most large employers.

Right now, you're giving outstanding performance. The company has absolutely no incentive to pay you more because they're getting "that" level of work at "this" level of pay. So, you need to take opportunities that will put you in higher paying roles, or you need to go sell your skills on the open market to someone who will pay more. It wouldn't be unthinkable to line up a new job with a new salary, and ask your current employer if they'd like to best that offer once you have it in hand.

[Fishindude77]

For starters, get a sit down with your boss, explain your case and ask for a raise. Also ask him what opportunities there would be for you to advance and continue to increase your income, any training needed, etc.

As an employer for many years, we look at wages and make adjustments periodically throughout the year, but this is not the only thing on our mind. We are dealing with lots of other things. I always welcome an individual that would push for more money. It shows ambition and interest.

Also, quite frankly ... the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
You'd be surprised. The majority of employees just do their thing and talk among each other, but rarely come in for a discussion with management about their situation or career.

[snafu]

I've concluded that employer's don't care about what you need as an employee but they care a lot about the extra value you add to their organization and more particularly to their bottom line. If you add value by brining in more money/profit, more clients, sell more stuff and/or reduce costs, eliminate unnecessary procedures, they will likely pay a bonus or offer a promotion. You need to be able to demonstrate how your effort/ideas improved efficiency and effectiveness. If you have annual reviews or discussions with your supervisor about your duties and responsibilities you need to have three examples of how your extra effort helped add value.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

I realize that one of the things I need to do is get paid more than I currently do. I would say my pay is average for my position, but I do much more work than the average person. I would like to get paid for my true value, not the average.

What are some of the things I can do to better my chances of getting a large raise and moving into the top tier of pay for people in my position?

First off do the obvious: work at being the best employee you can. Besides that, not much.

Better idea, get another job offer lined up then ask for a raise. That way you'll get one whether or not they want to give you one. If you don't get a raise, go with the other job offer.

[bjl584]

Probably the best way to get a raise is to find a new job.

Stay where you are and get the standard 3.5% annual raise, or jump ship and increase your salary by 10 to 20%

[teal]

Thanks for all the input. I will schedule a meeting with my boss next week and I'm putting together a list of things that are my job and what I've done beyond those to hand to him. I'll see how that goes. I like my current job except that I believe I should be paid more for the work I do, so staying there with a raise it the top option. If they say no, then i will consider looking for another job in my field

[parafly]

In my experience, the best strategy for getting a substantial raise is test the market and get an offer from another company. Before you accept the offer from the new company, present it to your current employer and ask them if they can match or beat it.

Unfortunately, job hopping is the best way to quickly increase your salary in this day and age. You don't want to do it too often (companies will start to label you as a perpetual job hopper with no loyalty), but strategically doing it every few years can give you some big increases in salary.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

In my experience, the best strategy for getting a substantial raise is test the market and get an offer from another company. Before you accept the offer from the new company, present it to your current employer and ask them if they can match or beat it.

Do what you want of course, but personally I wouldn't use this approach. Were I boss I wouldn't look at an employee favorable for doing this. I understand that corporate America has no loyalty etc. etc. but even if you stay at the company with the higher salary you will always be remembered as the guy who basically used a legal form of extortion.. And I think that any annoyed boss might just keep you on until they found someone who could replace you. Same reason you never accept a counter-offer.

My way is safer, don't tell them about the other offer.

Of course as I said, do what you want, but that's my take on it.

[parafly]

Do what you want of course, but personally I wouldn't use this approach. Were I boss I wouldn't look at an employee favorable for doing this. I understand that corporate America has no loyalty etc. etc. but even if you stay at the company with the higher salary you will always be remembered as the guy who basically used a legal form of extortion.. And I think that any annoyed boss might just keep you on until they found someone who could replace you. Same reason you never accept a counter-offer.

My way is safer, don't tell them about the other offer.

Of course as I said, do what you want, but that's my take on it.

It's business, not personal.

Perhaps specific industry or company size should be factors in using this strategy.

I'm just speaking from personal experience. I used a job offer from a competitor to get a promotion and significant raise from my current employer about three years ago. I'm still here, and there are / never were any hard feelings. You may call it extortion, but I call it exploring and realizing your worth in the current market.

Nobody forced my current company to beat the offer from a competitor. It was their own calculated decision, and I believe they appreciated the opportunity to win me over and convince me to stay.