Here's how you can improve your chances of securing a higher salary or raise.

Negotiating a better salary or securing a raise can be a daunting task, but with the right strategy, you can significantly improve your chances. Whether you're in the throes of a job hunt or aiming to climb the ladder at your current workplace, understanding the art of negotiation and self-promotion is crucial. By positioning yourself effectively, researching thoroughly, and communicating with confidence, you can make a compelling case for a higher salary. Remember, it's not just about asking for more money; it's about demonstrating your value and ensuring that your compensation reflects your contributions and the market rates.

1 Know Your Worth

Understanding your market value is the foundation of any salary negotiation. Research the typical compensation for your position in your industry and region. Use online salary calculators and job postings to gather information on what employers are offering for similar roles. Knowing this will give you a baseline for negotiations and prevent you from underselling yourself or asking for an unrealistic amount. When you're well-informed about your worth, you can confidently articulate why you deserve a higher salary based on market standards.

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Stephan Biermann

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Increasing your likelihood of securing a higher salary or raise entails showcasing your value through achievements and expanded responsibilities within the organization. Conduct thorough research on industry standards, negotiate proficiently, and consistently enhance your skills to bolster your position during salary negotiations. Take into account market conditions and seek feedback to ensure your request aligns with the company's financial situation and strategic objectives.

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Caroline Foster

CPO/CHRO/International Transformation Leader *Confirmed as 1 of 8 Top Global HR Professionals 2022 and International HR Expert 2023* LinkedIn Top Strategy Voice, Top HR Consulting Voice, and Top Change Management Voice
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Also consider the unique skills and experiences that you have, and quantity that as a marketable product. Highlight any parts of your role and responsibilities that you have subject matter expertise. Be certain to articulate the organisational gains as a result of your work

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Jonathan H.

Vice President Home + Digital Entertainment at e& (Etisalat)
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Research industry standards for your position and experience level. Websites like Glassdoor and Payscale can provide useful information.

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2 Build Your Case

Once you know your market value, it's time to build a compelling case for why you deserve a raise. Reflect on your achievements, responsibilities, and the unique skills you bring to the table. Prepare a list of your accomplishments that have positively impacted the company, such as successful projects, cost savings, or revenue growth. Be ready to present these in a clear and concise manner. Your goal is to make it clear that your request for a higher salary is justified by your contributions to the company's success.

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Caroline Foster

CPO/CHRO/International Transformation Leader *Confirmed as 1 of 8 Top Global HR Professionals 2022 and International HR Expert 2023* LinkedIn Top Strategy Voice, Top HR Consulting Voice, and Top Change Management Voice
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Also consider the organisational impact if you weren’t there. Identify your unique skills and how these are quantified in business outcomes

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Jonathan H.

Vice President Home + Digital Entertainment at e& (Etisalat)
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Keep a record of your accomplishments, including any projects you’ve led, goals you’ve met, or ways you’ve helped the company save money or increase revenue. Prepare a strong argument for why you deserve a raise. Highlight your contributions, responsibilities, and any additional skills or certifications you’ve acquired.

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3 Timing Matters

Choosing the right moment to discuss salary can significantly affect the outcome. Aim for a time when your value to the company is evident, such as after the successful completion of a significant project or during a performance review. Avoid times of company-wide stress or downturns. If your company has a specific review cycle for salaries, make sure to initiate the conversation well in advance, so there's ample time for consideration and budget adjustments.

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Jonathan H.

Vice President Home + Digital Entertainment at e& (Etisalat)
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Timing can be crucial. Aim to discuss your raise during performance reviews or after successfully completing a big project so the impact can be in your favour

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4 Practice Negotiation

Negotiation is a skill that improves with practice. Before entering into discussions about your salary, practice your pitch with a friend or mentor. They can offer feedback on your delivery and help you refine your arguments. Pay attention to not only what you say but also how you say it. Your tone, body language, and confidence all play a part in how your request is received. Remember, practice makes perfect, and being well-prepared will boost your confidence when it's time for the real conversation.

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Jonathan H.

Vice President Home + Digital Entertainment at e& (Etisalat)
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Be ready to negotiate. Practice with a friend or mentor to build confidence. Be prepared to discuss not just salary, but other benefits if needed. Keep the conversation focused on your performance and the value you bring to the company. Avoid comparisons with colleagues.

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5 Alternative Compensation

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a salary increase may not be feasible due to budget constraints or company policies. In such cases, consider negotiating for alternative forms of compensation. This could include additional vacation time, flexible working hours, professional development opportunities, or performance bonuses. These benefits can often add significant value to your overall compensation package and can be more easily accommodated by employers.

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6 Follow Up

After your negotiation conversation, it's important to follow up. If you've received a positive response, ensure that the agreed-upon salary adjustment is documented and that you understand when it will take effect. If the outcome wasn't what you hoped for, ask for feedback and what you can do to be considered for a raise in the future. Keep the dialogue open and maintain a positive relationship with your employer; opportunities for advancement may arise as circumstances change.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Jonathan H.

Vice President Home + Digital Entertainment at e& (Etisalat)
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Have a plan if your request is denied. Ask for specific feedback on what you need to improve and set a timeline for revisiting the conversation.

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Here's how you can improve your chances of securing a higher salary or raise.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know Your Worth

2 Build Your Case

3 Timing Matters

4 Practice Negotiation

5 Alternative Compensation

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

Strategy

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Here's how you can improve your chances of securing a higher salary or raise.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know Your Worth

2 Build Your Case

3 Timing Matters

4 Practice Negotiation

5 Alternative Compensation

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

Strategy

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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