Note - all letters are reprinted as received, with names and some details deleted to ensure privacy, but no correction to spelling or grammar.
Q. I need some advice on how to ask my boss for a raise. This is my first job, and while I deserve the raise I don't know how to ask. I was told when I was hired I would get a raise in 3 months, and it's been four months now. I also don't want to lose the job. What do I do?
- confused and scared
A. Many people feel the same way you do - scared about asking for what is rightly yours - a promised or deserved raise. In a way you are lucky - you were told when you were hired when you could expect your first raise. Assume the three months was a probationary period, to ensure the company liked your work and that you liked the company. Sort of like a trial marriage arrangement. Many companies use a probationary period with benefits and slightly higher salary starting after a successful completion.
Some questions to ask of you though. Were benefits to start after this period of adjustment? Is the boss who said this to you still at the company? Have you approached Personnel or Human Resources about the end of your probationary period? A lot of these questions and situations depend upon the size of your company - larger companies tend to have policies in place, so it's merely a matter of finding out what the policy is, and getting all the paperwork signed to do whatever the policy says (ie - your boss gets and signs a form stating you have completed your probation successfully).
If not, here's the best way to approach your boss for a raise at any time you feel is the right time. Write down a list of your accomplishments at your work: what you have done to help the company. Also think of ways you can help the company in future. Make an appointment with your boss - if asked about what, be direct and say your probationary period is over and you want your boss's guidance on the next steps.
At the meeting quickly go over what was said at your interview or hiring day - but try to avoid the use of "you said" (if everything tell your boss is "you said" it will sound like a whining session). Tell your boss you feel you have successfully completed your probation (or initial time as mentioned at your interview) and want to know how to move to the next steps - benefits, salary raise, etc. You might also mention some of your accomplishments (that you previously wrote down). It may also just be a matter of the boss forgetting the time has flown by, and just a matter of doing the paperwork.
Your boss will appreciate that you followed up on this situation in a professional manner.
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Copyright March 22, 2008. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
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