How to Ask for a Raise and Get It in 5 Steps [with Examples and Tips]

How to Ask for a Raise and Get It in 5 Steps [with Examples and Tips] Youre minutes from knowing how to ask for a raise and get it. Start by thinking about thisIts scary.Asking for a raise can make your stomach churn. What if they say no? What if it turns into a fight? Why rock the boat, right?But heres the thing. Youre not wrong to ask. Youre not greedy. Asking wont hurt. Just be respectful, and dont demand the moon.Asking for a raise means showing your track record in a way they agree with. Youre not begging for a gift or a favor. This is part of having a job.You just need a few tips to know how to get a raise without ruffling feathers.This guide will show you:How to ask for a raise in 5 steps.How to negotiate a raise to get paid what youre worth.When to ask for a raise to increase your chances.What to do if they say no (so they still say yes).Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. Its fast and easy to use. Plus, youll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your re sume here.Sample resume made with our builderSee more templates and create your resume here.One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three. With the same stuff.Create your resume now1Get Ready to Negotiate a RaiseSweaty palms time.You walk in. You sit down. You say, Id like a raise.Your boss rubs her eyes. She talks budgets and policies. In the hallway five minutes later you want to kick something.You didnt get a raise, and you feel awful.Sound familiar?Its not that you dont deserve more money. You just werent prepared.Ready for the best way to ask for a raise?The Best Way to Ask for a RaiseThe best way to ask for money is to deserve it.Does that sound clich? Okay, butPrepare asking for a raise by being worth more than your title.Ask yourself this:When do I go above and beyond?What value do I create?What are my biggest accomplishments?Do I bring in extra revenue? Save time? Improve quality?Am I more than m y job title?Those are your biggest levers to get what youre worth.Need leverage? Before you ask for a raise, when your boss praises you, put it in an email folder called, kudos.Pro Tip: Dont think you deserve a raise yet? Are you underperforming? Find ways to get better at your job. Then circle back and ask later.What else do you need besides money? After you ask for a raise, see our guide: What Are Your Career Goals: Set Reach Them2Know When to Ask for a RaiseSorry, our budget is already in place.Yikes.Dont let them say that.You need to know when to ask for a raise. And yes, theres a right time and wrong time.When Should You Ask for a Raise?Whats the perfect time? Consider these points:1. Ask when the company is making its budgets.Companies have budget cycles when they plan, approve, and execute spending. Learn your companys cycles if you can, then ask during the planning stage.2. Dont ask when your boss is grumpy.Interpersonal skills are a massive career tool. Use yours by feelin g out whether the boss is having a rough day or on top of the world. Ask for a raise when shes flying high.3. Ask for a raise right after you save the day.Did you just land a big client? Solve a teeth-chattering company problem? Right after a big career win is the best time for asking for a raise.4. Wait a year before asking.How long since your last raise? If the company hired you a year ago and you havent had a raise, nows the time. Less than a year since your last raise is too soon.5. The best time is two months before your performance review.Dont wait for your performance review. Most companies decide the size of your raise a month or two sooner. Sohave the discussion before your review.One more tip about when to ask for a raise? Do it right after lunch. People are more relaxed and agreeable after a meal.Pro Tip: Whats the worst time to ask for a raise? When quitting would crash the company. Thats blackmail. You may get the raise, but youll also get replaced.Are you underpaid? Ar e you asking for a raise because your job is a drag? See our guide: I Hate My Job. I Hate My Boss. Here's What to Do *Now*3Evaluate Your Worth Before You AskYoure already paid more than most for this job.Ugh.Nobody wants to hear that.Sobefore you ask for a raise, build your case.Find out:What the company will payWhat you bring to the tableHeres an example:How Much of a Raise Should I Ask For?You can ask for 10%20% more money than youre making right now without seeming greedy. So if youre making $40,000 a year, you should be able to ask for $44,000 to $48,000 without getting laughed out of the conference room.ButDo some digging first.How much does the industry pay?Forewarned is forearmed. Find out how much others in your industry are making. If they make more, thats your ammo.Do they earn less? Thats not a dealbreaker. Salary data from Glassdoor and Indeed gives median figures. It doesnt always apply to your situation.How much does your company pay?Dont go in cold. Learn your company s average salary increase for promotions and raises. HR may be happy to share that. If not, ask other employees.Does the salary structure seem piddling? The average salary increase is 3.1%. Youre probably not average, but it helps to know the playing field.What have you achieved?Heres where the rubber meets the road. Never mind salary averages for your industry or company. Know what youre worth.Build a list of your job achievements. For example, when I negotiated a raise at one company, I knew my predecessors numbers from the start.Then I beat him by 150%. Yet youre paying me the same, I told my boss. How could he refuse my request for a raise?Heres a list of achievements you can use:Work projects that saved moneyTargets met or exceededEmployees youve trainedRevenue growth based on your effortsAwards or honorsClients youve brought inWays youve increased efficiency or delivery timesAny of those makes a good case for a salary increase.Pro Tip: Not sure how much to ask for a raiseperce ntage or otherwise? Ask coworkers or recruiters in your industry. Search LinkedIn for recruiter and your job title.Need to renegotiate your small salary? See our guide: How to Negotiate a Salary Like a Boss4Ask for a Raise in a Performance ReviewYoure right. Were not paying you enough.Why should your boss say the words above?Because you earned it.Soshow it. But do it in a performance review.If your boss gives regular reviews, thats when shell tell you your raise. (Hint: Its already set in stone by then.)So ask to talk about your performance one or two months beforein an informal review. Then they cant say, Management set your salary for the year last month.Heres what to say in that meeting:What to Say When Asking for a Raise at WorkLet them set the tone. Start by asking what they think of the quality of your work.Dont settle for good or bad. We need detail. Ask for specific things youve done to help the company.Then get them to expand. Ask, why did that help? What would have happene d if I didnt do it like that? Use active listening skills to make it work.When its your turn, evaluate yourself while they listen. List your achievements and the value you created.Pro Tip: Whats the easiest way to ask for a raise? Look outside the company. Many firms fix raise amounts at 2% or 5%. Yet you might get a 50% jump as a new hire.What skills should you reference when asking for a raise? See our guide: Top 10 Employability SkillsDefinition and Examples [+How to Improve]5Negotiate During Your Performance ReviewWould you settle for 10% less?This is key:Its not a negotiation. Youre telling them what it would take to make you happy.You took the time to list your achievements. You did your research. You know what youre worth. If they agree, so do you.If they try to dicker, stay professional. Tell them youve worked hard to be worth X.Say you hope youre giving them what they want, and your request reflects that.Keep it brief and specific. If they cite industry rates or company pol icies, remind them that your achievements make you more than all that.In case your boss needs to clear your request with upper management, bring a bullet list of your achievements to help.Pro Tip: Dont talk about why you need the raise. Then youre asking for a gift. Stay focused on your accomplishments and how youve helped the business.Did they say no when you asked for a raise? Is it time to seek greener pastures? See our guide: How to Make a Resume for a Job [from Application to Interview in 24h]6If They Say No to a Raise, RenegotiateYoure worth more, but we cant afford it.Thats common.But its not the end of the world when you ask for a raise.To fix it:Ask if youre overvaluing yourself. If they say yes, ask what it would take to get the raise you want.What if they agree youre worth more but cant afford it? In that case, tell them its possible youre wrong. Say youll do more research.Why?Because that implies youll go job-huntingin a non-threatening way.Then ask for consolation perks like flex time, a work from home situation, or an extra vacation.Finally, check back in three months to see if things have changed.Pro Tip: Want to know more about how to negotiate a raise? Read the excellent deal-making book, Getting to Yes.7Bonus: How to Ask for a Raise in an Email or LetterCan you write a letter asking for a raise?WellYou can ask for a meeting in writing. Then in the meeting, bring up the raise.Plus, asking for a raise in an email gives you, the boss, and senior management something to refer to.Check out this how to ask for a raise email example:Dear Mr. Ramirez,The past year working at XYZ Company has been a thrilling ride. Ive grown as an employee, taking on more roles and responsibility. Ive added to my skills and worked hard to exceed expectations. Ive consistently surpassed my targets and work goals. Thats why Im writing to ask for a review of my salary.Id like to remind you that in the past year I:Spotted a company-wide accounting error that saved $1.2 M.L ed a drive to implement cloud automation of receivables, saving an estimated 800 labor hours per year.Slashed 20% from the time needed for month-end reconciliations, saving an estimated $75,000 annually.Im passionate about the work I do here at XYZ, and Im excited to continue my growth and contribution. Im eager to see if your evaluation of my efforts fits my own. Can we set aside some time to discuss compensation?Thats gold.It lays out your value and asks for the raise meeting.If your boss needs to justify your raise to her boss, the letter gives proof.Pro Tip: If you succeed, send a thank you note for a raise. Stanch buyers remorse by reminding your manager of your value. Then assure her of your renewed excitement.When you ask for a raise in an email, use action words like slashed, led, and spotted. See our guide: 240 Resume Words: Action Verbs, Power Words, Adjectives, BuzzwordsKey TakeawayRecap: How to ask for a raise:Work hard to be worth more than you make.Know when to ask for a raise. (2 months before your performance review, when theyre drawing up budgets, or right after you saved the day.)Focus on your achievements.Write a letter or email asking for a raise so youll have something to reference.Whats the worst part about asking for a raise to you? What happened the last time you asked for a raise? Give us a shout in the comments! Wed love to chat.

What Skills Should I Put on My Resume?

What Skills Should I Put on My Resume?What skills should I put on my resume? What can I do to add value to an employer's evaluation of my potential? There are multiple ways to add value to your resume. The following tips will give you some ideas about what you can do to make your resume stand out from the crowd.Having the most relevant skills and education available is a must. It's very likely that employers will be looking for someone with all the skills they need to perform the jobs that are available. Your skills alone won't be enough to get you a job.Think about the skills you already have. Can you use them? You can do some things that are going to help you. You don't have to re-invent the wheel, but take advantage of your existing skills and make sure they are expressed in your resume.Also, consider how you can show the employer you are not only skilled in the available possible skills, but also in those skills you want to add to your resume. Demonstrate your experience, as well as your qualifications and how you demonstrated your ability to get the job done. This will show the employer that you can be a valuable addition to their organization. Don't forget to include your education.An experienced resume writer can create a resume that will show you have added value. You need a professional resume to highlight your specific skills and accomplishments. They will be able to create a resume that shows what you can bring to the table. You don't want to use these methods to do it on your own.When a resume is written by an experienced resume writer, they know what the hiring managers are looking for. It is designed to be functional, but also to highlight what you can bring to the table. It is imperative that the resume be as relevant as possible.The information you provide on your resume should cover common skills that are critical to the position. If you want to demonstrate your knowledge of the job, you should address those as well. Examples of common skills i nclude information technology, computers, and technical writing. Then add one line for those specific career-related skills that are related to the specific job.Every resume is different. Employers have different needs, so be sure to tailor your resume for the employer's unique needs. One of the most effective ways to do this is to hire a professional resume writer to make sure your resume is as appropriate as possible.

How to List Multiple Positions at One Company on Your Resume

How to List Multiple Positions at One Company on Your Resume There is nothing wrong about having multiple positions in one company but the question  arises when you have to list them on your resume.  How can you list them on your resume  without wasting valuable space or worse, confuse your prospective employers? Here are two ways you can handle this to stay calm and keep your resume impressive: 1. Stack them up This approach is good if your previous jobs were similar in nature. For example, you  were promoted from junior web developer to senior web developer, and both positions  had very similar job descriptions. In this case, you can stack the job titles under the name  of the company. For example: ABC Company, Los Angeles, CA Senior Web Designer (2013â€"Present) Junior Web Designer (2012â€"2013) Point #1 Point #2 Point #3…etc The bullet points under the job titles should describe your most impressive accomplishments  during these roles. Since you have stacked up the job titles, you should combine the  accomplishments rather than treating them for each role individually. Remember that a  resume is a tool for you to sell yourself to your prospective employers. It is more  important to highlight your achievements than to describe your duties for each role. You  can also use this opportunity to explain the reason why you were promoted. For example: “Promoted within 12 months for completing three major projects ahead of schedule”. If you held several positions within the company, you can summarise your early job titles  in one line. For example:  Early Positions: Student Intern, Technical Support, 2010 to 2012 2. Treat the job positions individually If the positions were very different in nature, you should list the positions individually  under the company name. For example, if you moved from the sales associate position to the web developer position: For example: ABC Company, Los Angeles, CA Web Developer (2013â€"Present) Point #1 Point #2 Point #3…etc Sales Associate (2012â€"2013) Point #1 Point #2 Point #3…etc 3. List achievements and promotions For each position, you should list your achievements and experience, and highlight those  that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. If the move was a promotion,  make sure that you explain it clearly. However, even lateral moves can show that you  possess a wide range of skills. Getting promoted at a company shows that you are not only a high performer but also a  dedicated and loyal employee. You should make sure that your resume tells this story. Let your prospective employers know that your previous bosses valued your work.

Dos and Donts of Business Cards - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Do’s and Don’ts of Business Cards - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career A business card reflects your personal brand. It is also a great marketing tool for yourself and your company. Especially during networking events, a business card is the first item someone receives from you and as a result, it is your first chance to make an impression on that person. Therefore, creating a business card should not be taken lightly. A business card should be professional, clear to understand and reflect your brand image. Now, let’s look at do’s and don’ts of business cards: Do’s of Business Cards 1.  Keep it Simple: Choose easy-to-read fonts and stay with the traditional size for business cards. Avoid using bright colors if you are in a traditional business such as finance or consulting. A bright background such as white, beige or light gray and dark text such as black, navy or dark grey both looks professional and is easy to read. However, if you are in a creative business such as an artist or a fashion designer, adding a little bit of a color won’t hurt and can show your creative side. 2.  Use the Back Side of the Card: If you are doing business with other countries, make sure you use the back side of the card to print the same information in a different language. For example, a person who does business both in the U.S. and Latin America may want to have the information printed in English on one side and Spanish on the other. 3.  Include the Right Information: Make sure you include relevant information on your card. Your name, title, company name along with your logo, email address and phone number should be definitely on your business card. If space permits, physical address of your company, company website and cell phone number can also be included on your card. Don’ts of Business Cards 1.  Don’t Make it Cheap: Don’t use thin and cheap paper. This can make the other person wonder about the quality of your services. You don’t need to go to a professional designer for a business card but compare the quality of printing when shopping for your business card. 2.  Don’t Use Clip Art: Never use clip art on your business card. If you are a freelancer and don’t have a company logo, you may want to use a professional picture of yourself on the card. Another option may be to simply not use any type of picture or logo and only include your name and title. 3.  Don’t Keep Outdated Cards: If you run out of your cards and need to go to a networking event, don’t take your outdated cards, which include the wrong company name or wrong email address, with you. Instead, be honest and tell them that you run out of your business cards but would be happy to email them your information after the event.

Writing the Skills Section of a Resume

Writing the Skills Section of a ResumeDo you know what is included in the writing the skills section of a resume? To be honest, it is usually very boring and consists of repetitive information. If you are looking for a way to get your resume noticed, then make sure that this section does not make it.For a potential employer, writing the skills section of a resume is just like making a car. It takes time to build and they need to be kept maintained to ensure that they can easily find. Keep these points in mind when writing the skills section of a resume.Make sure that your resume reflects the highest level of professionalism possible. This means doing things right and you will be able to stand out. On top of being professional, it also includes showing your capability to get the job done well. In a competitive job market, this is a must.Knowledge of the major skills is also important. This is another aspect that needs to be emphasized so that you stand out from the rest. Also, it can be a reason why the potential employer wants to have a look at your resume.The writing in the skills section of a resume has a lot of responsibility and thus makes sure that it is given enough time. The potential employer will not get to see it for days or weeks. But after a day or two, if the resume is still sitting there untouched, it is really very obvious that something went wrong with the resume. You need to get it noticed.While writing the skills section of a resume, it is important to include many reasons why you think that you are the best candidate for the job. This would also go a long way in boosting your confidence level. Keep in mind that you are applying for the job because you are good at what you do. That is why you should be proud of the skills that you possess. You also need to be proud of your work ethics.Be sure that you are providing all the details about yourself, which is important in telling the potential employer exactly what you have done for them. There ar e many sites that help people write their resumes. You can search for the right one. This is a small thing, but a crucial one for your professional career.So make sure that you learn how to write the skills section of a resume properly. With time, you will surely succeed in writing a resume that will make you shine.

Happiness at work is more powerful than you think - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Happiness at work is more powerful than you think - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog Ill be speaking at the HR Tech Fest conference in Sydney?in October and in preparation, they have put together a great summary of our work headlined Workplace happiness is more powerful than you think.?Read it and learn why happiness at work matters so much! Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

4 ways to prevent the shoulds from blocking your career

4 ways to prevent the ‘shoulds’ from blocking your career One of the most astonishing things I have learned as an executive job coach is how the word “should” blocks my job-seeking clients from growing their careers. Have you ever said anything like this? I SHOULD just stay in my current job even though I’m unhappy. The job market is just too hard. I SHOULD just get a low-paying job outside my field until I find something I like. I SHOULD tell my boss I want that job with more responsibility even though I really don’t. I SHOULD go back to school for another degree so I can search for a better job. 4 ways to prevent the shoulds from blocking your career Are you living a career of “shoulds?” Do you feel like you no longer control your life? I interviewed Stacey Hall, the CEO and founder of the Hall Institute of Intuitive Wellness and the best-selling author of Chi-To-Be! Achieving Your Ultimate B-All , and she has a powerful perspective to help you release the “should.” Acknowledge your “shoulding” ways “I had a flash of clarity,” Hall said. “I had been making a choice each time I said, ‘I should do something. I believed that there was a right way and a wrong way to live my life and plan my career. To be successful, I felt I should follow the right way.” “Once I decided to take back my power to choose what felt good for me to do, rather than what I should do, I was back on track to achieving my career goals with velocity and ease.” With the same acknowledgement, you can feel empowered to choose while reshaping your life. Set long-term goals Don’t focus on the present: Make a long-term plan for your career. What are the goals you want to achieve during your work? “Always keep your eye on your own goals,” Hall said. “By knowing your destination, you can more easily map out the shortest route to get there. We are empowered from the inside out when we set our own goals for our lives and careers. As you continue to keep your eye on the achievement of your own long-term goals, you will be able to more easily choose the direction to go. Each time you receive a request for your time, your energy, your opinion, your attention from others, you will be able to respond confidently and quickly. You can accept requests that will move you closer to the achievement of your own goals.” Set deadlines that you choose “Before accepting requests for support from friends and volunteering time and money, I take a breath and make sure I have sufficient time to provide the support they are requesting while still achieving my own goals,” Hall said. “If I do not have the time to take good care of myself first, I am not in a position to give my best to anyone else.” Many people feel awkward saying “No” to others, but learning to use that phrase is crucial. Try replying politely with “I appreciate the request, but I need to focus on other high priorities right now.” Don’t apologize or make excuses â€" the other person will understand and will most likely drop their request completely (I don’t recommend trying this with your boss, though). Notice when you’re trapping yourself in the right and wrong ways that you learned from others Hall suggests taking note when you hear yourself saying, “I should do this” or “I have to do that” â€" you’re putting a “should” on yourself instead of moving towards your goals. “Most people do not realize just how often they use those two statements,” Hall said. “Each time they say either one, they are diminishing their own personal power by putting themselves into a victim mentality.” You can hear more on this topic in Stacey Hall’s TEDX talk here.