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By Teena Rose, CPRW, CEIP, CCM, http://www.resumebycprw.com
Negotiation is a give-and-take process
until an eventual agreement is reached between two or more parties. To
understand the art of negotiation, a jobseeker must understand that it is
a give process as much as it is a receiving process.
Look at the proposition from the side
of your employer. When faced with such a proposition, your superior will
ask himself the reasons you're deserving of more and whether it's feasible
for the department or company to give you such.
Never, or very rarely, does a a company
give a raise or some other compensation based on an employee's individual
need.
You must be offering extensive and solid value. So, before you approach
asking for a raise, think about how much you have given over the last few
months or year. Securing a pay raise, yearly bonus, stock options, or more
vacation isn't as easy as putting a memo into your superior, however,
companies tend to be more receptive to employees who go beyond their
position descriptions.
Before continuing, lets briefly review a couple wrong reasons to ask for a
raise.
First, don't request a raise in
response to newly acquired financial responsibilities or debt from the
purchase of a house or car. Employers are concerned about their employees;
however, giving raises to those who subsequently find themselves in over
their heads isn't practical. Second, don't ask for more money when you're
having difficulty getting along with coworkers and authoritative figures.
Personal conflict does not constitute an increase in pay for you to stick
around - and to put it bluntly, employers don't care whether you can't get
along with Jane Coworker. You perform a job, and your responsibility is to
perform that job to the liking and satisfaction of your employer. Unless
you're in a position that can't be easily filled, avoid giving your
employer an ultimatum or you'll find yourself out of a job.
CREATE A MASTER PLAN AND PORTFOLIO
When you've come to conclusion that you
need more, start by building a master plan. Mapping out specifics on why
you deserve a raise and listing areas where you've done great work will
help you outline the steps to obtaining a raise - and any other add-ons
you're seeking. Points to include:
* Create a bulleted list of fresh achievements, incorporating numbers,
percentages, and dollar amounts whenever possible. Examples of
achievements include top sales/revenue generated, project finished before
deadline, product or service improvements, and so on. List 5-7 top and
most recognizable accomplishments.
* List added responsibilities. Focus on the last couple of years and avoid
going back too far (i.e. three or more years), keeping the information
fresh.
* Insert a list of recent trainings and credentials, or a degree that
you've received that is ultimately benefiting your employer. For example,
those who obtain a bachelor's or master's degree definitely offer more to
their employers after the degree than before.
* Include copies of praising letters and emails from clients, superiors,
and colleagues.
* Finally, devise a timeline. Keep in mind the record-keeping schedule of
your company. For example, if asking at the start of a new fiscal year
will increase your chances then pinpoint a feasible time.
Take the bullet points, your timeline, and other documentation and place
them within a decorative folder or three-ring binder. By placing this
information into a detailed portfolio, you will end up with a consolidated
and professional presentation. Expand your portfolio every couple of
weeks, if possible.
Employers know that positions oftentimes expand and contract in accordance
with changes in business. Rather than recognizing these opportunities as a
bad sign, because you will take on a larger workload, look at it as a
positive good. New projects and work duties mean new opportunities to
learn and expand your knowledge on other facets of your employer.
Even though you prepare, plan, and do everything right, a pay raise may
not be in the cards. In the current economy, some companies are
experiencing significant growth, while others are lagging behind. Asking
for a raise may seem reasonable and achievable, however, the answer may
not be in one's favor. Some businesses cannot afford the added expense,
therefore, be prepared to discuss an alternate plan such as a more
prestigious job title.
Before you enter the room, take a deep breath. Preparation is the key to
success.
Teena Rose operates a prominent and
professional resume writing service, Resume to Referral.
She’s authored several
career books, including "20-Minute
Cover Letter Fixer",
"How
to Design, Write, and Compile a Quality Brag Book",
and "Cracking the Code to Pharmaceutical Sales."
Teena Rose, CPRW, CEIP, CCM
Resume to Referral
7211 Taylorsville Road, Office 208
Huber Heights, OH 45424
Phone: (937) 236-1360
Fax: (937) 236-1351
http://www.resumebycprw.com |
