Dear Diane,
My one year work anniversary is just around the corner (I have two months to go at the time of this email). I would love your guidance on the best way to ask for a raise. Here’s what I have done so far in preparation:
- Save positive feedback from my clients in a folder (15 emails to date).
- Co-chair a work committee where we go to local schools and read to students twice a month.
- Consistently meet client deadlines while carefully avoiding errors.
- Arrive 15 minutes early to work each day to be at my best.
What steps should I take leading up to my review so I walk into the room feeling prepared and confident?
Sincerely,
Miguel
Dear Miguel,
I’m impressed with the steps you have already taken as your annual review approaches. Having positive testimonials from your clients is a smart strategy, along with your work ethic and attention to detail. Your volunteerism speaks to your commitment to your community and desire to enrich the bond you share with coworkers. Here are a few more of my thoughts on how to ace your annual review.
Spend Ample Time Reviewing the Paperwork
Chances are good your supervisor or HR department has sent you a document to complete prior to your review. Questions may include sharing your biggest accomplishments over the past year, as well as your greatest challenges. Dedicate plenty of time to go over the questions and pull together articulate, detailed responses. The emails you have saved will come in handy as you recount project successes. As you describe areas for improvement, touch on what you have already mapped out for the next 12 months to learn and grow.
Recap Professional Development
As a motivated professional, you have dedicated consistent effort to sharpen your skills and expand your network. I recommend creating a professional development log, updating it routinely so you will have a list of talking points. In your review, talk about new skills you have learned with the aim of enhancing your contributions to the team. Networking plays a role as well since adding to your circle can mean additional contacts and potential clients for the business in the future.
Focus on Community Outreach
You mentioned your volunteer efforts in your email; kudos to you for living out your values. Smart companies value employees who are active in bettering their community; it is good for your neighbors and great for team morale. Discuss what you have gained through the experience and upcoming activities you are planning together. As a helpful coworker, share concrete examples of times you went above and beyond to meet a company goal.
Arrive Prepared
As you make your case for a raise, it is a good idea to include specific statistics related to the bottom line. For example, if you are in a sales position, go over the additional dollars you brought in and the percentage increase in revenue. Touch on your projections for the next quarter, six months and year. For a customer service, client-facing role, reference client retention and workflow enhancements.
Do Your Homework
Before asking for a specific percentage increase or dollar amount, visit a popular salary calculator such as PayScale to ensure your current pay aligns with their recommended range. Based on this data and your performance metrics, identify a realistic bump in pay.
Pause
After you have made your ask, take a breath and remain cool. Maintain natural eye contact and wait for your supervisor to respond. They probably have an idea of the increase they are able to offer without additional approval. They may or may not be in a position to meet your request. Let them know you will look forward to hearing back from them once they have taken your request to the next level. Be prepared for next steps if your request is denied.
Good luck,
Diane
