Almost every working adult will ask his or her boss for a raise at some point in his or her career. Asking for a raise can be a nerve-wracking experience but can also have big financial benefits. Before asking for a raise, consider the value that you bring to your company.
Simple actions, such as attending language schools or going the extra mile while on the job, can bolster your chances of receiving the raise you deserve. The following tips can help anyone prepare to ask his or her boss for that big raise.
Create a Money-Saving Plan
Every business leader loves to find great ways to save money. You can prove that you’re a valuable employee by coming up with a viable money-saving plan. In order for your plan to be successful, it will need to be both smart and savvy. You should also come up with a plan that business executives will be enthusiastic about and will be likely to implement.
The successful implementation of your money-saving plan might lead to a promotion. Employees who want to ask for raises in connection with presenting money-saving plans have several options. If you are very confident about your plan, you can ask for a raise upfront. You can also wait until your company has saved money to ask for a raise. Some employees ask for a percentage of the money that their company has saved through implementing their money-saving plan.
Offer Valuable Language Skills
For many businesses, having bilingual employees is a big plus. In addition to fostering great relationships with international clients, bilingual employees can also help business leaders reach out to new consumer groups. Employees who attend language schools are able to offer added value to their employers.
Spanish is a particularly popular language in the business world. In America alone, more than 34 million people speak Spanish. Many businesses run offices in Latin America or have made significant efforts to reach out to Spanish speakers in the U.S. You can show your boss that you deserve a raise by offering great language skills.
Take on New Duties
Every employer is impressed by an individual who can take on extra duties. Boost your productivity to show your employer that you are dedicated to your job. Be willing and available to help out other employees who are unable to complete all of their daily duties. Your dedication to teamwork and willingness to take on extra tasks is sure to make a great impression on your boss.
Employers also appreciate employees who can come up with more efficient ways of doing things. Look for ways to streamline your workday. If you find a more efficient way of doing something, alert your boss and take credit for your recommendation. You may also want to consider taking on special projects for which you are likely to receive recognition.
The key to landing that next big raise is preparation. If you can, wait to ask for a raise until you are sure that the business you work for is doing well financially. You should make a solid presentation of your accomplishments and qualifications. Remind your boss of your achievements and dazzle him or her with extra skills, such as a second language, in order to increase your chances of getting that much-deserved raise.
About the author: Mercedes Potter is a part of an elite team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. She has specific strategies that will undoubtedly land an employee in the perfect position for a pay raise. Follow her @CedesPotter.
Photo credit: Barry Solow