Welcome to the first installment of our new advice column – Swagger Up by Cindy Brown.  Today, we respond to a question from a swagger friend about asking for a raise at work:

Question: Since I started I do a lot more and know a lot more to make things easier on my boss.  I’m wanting to ask for one but don’t know how!  My boss and I get along really well so I’m sure it will be lighthearted… we joke a lot together.   I’ve made some smart-alec hints before but he’s not catching on…   I do get Christmas bonuses and I think he thinks that makes up for raises.  Does it?  How do I ask for one?  How much should I expect?  And how often should a person receive one?   Thanks! Shawna

Swagger Up Reply: How big is your company?  If it is small, there might not be any written policies on how often you are eligible for a raise.  The first question is – are there any policies?

Next, I would get organized with all your facts – how long you’ve been there, additional duties etc. A great book for reference is Getting to Yes - which is about negotiation.  You could get all ready and then ask for a short meeting.  You might start with questions like – I wanted to find out if there is a policy about raises and when I might be eligible for one?  When a question is asked in a matter-of-fact, non-threatening way, it will help it to be well-received.  I’d suggest that you have a series of follow- up questions ready to go in case the discussion gets awkward – things like “What were you thinking about when it would be appropriate for us to discuss a raise? Is there feedback that you can give me to help my performance? How can I be more helpful to you?”

Be prepared to listen for any ideas on how you can do an even better job and his level of openness about the raise.  From my experience, I would say that a raise is typically discussed at the one year anniversary of starting your job.  Depending on the economy and how the business is doing – there might be a range of possibilities.  In the past, some larger organizations gave a cost of living raise of around 2-3% each year and then there was the possibility of getting more depending on the “merit” of your performance – so a total of 2-10% might be offered.  There has a been a trend away from cost of living increases and some businesses have not been in the financial position to offer raises as well, so listen for any information that your boss might offer on the performance of the business etc. Read more…