Expert’s three golden rules to get a pay rise at work
Stuck in the same role with no career advancement in sight?
There is nothing worse in your professional life than feeling like there’s no route forward to progress your career. If you’re succeeding in your role, it could be worth having that all-important discussion with your manager.
It might be high time to have a chat with your boss about a salary increase or new opportunities. Although it can be intimidating, advocating for yourself is crucial if you’re aiming for career progression.
If the thought of this conversation makes you nervous, don’t fret – we’ve got some expert guidance for you. Career coach and business guru Gary Gamp, who has experience with leading global firms, has divulged his essential tips for clinching that pay rise.
According to him, success hinges on thorough research, impeccable timing, and unwavering self-confidence. Here’s the lowdown on everything you need to know.
1. Do your research
To make a compelling case, you must come armed with solid evidence. This not only convinces your manager of your worthiness for a raise but also equips them with the necessary arguments to persuade those authorising the increase.
Gary advises: “This might sound confusing – and yes you’re asking for a pay rise – but it’s not about you. It’s about the return on investment and the value you offer.
“If we’re too selfish about it, we miss the point. You need to find out why you’re being underpaid and offer commercial value. If you nail those two things then you’ve got the foundations in place and you’ll be in the perfect position when negotiating for a pay rise.”
The career guru has divulged essential advice for those seeking a salary boost, starting with “doing a market assessment”, reports the Manchester Evening News. He advised: “Go and research other companies, starting with your competitors.
“Find recent job ads and see what they’re paying. If you find out most companies are paying what you’re earning, then you’re at market value. Either way, keep that evidence because it will be used later on.
“Work out your commercial value. What is your value to the company? If this was your business, would you give yourself a pay rise? Are you worth more money?
“If you’re a salesperson, it’s easy to demonstrate your commercial value, but how do you prove it if you’re on the service desk, or you’re in marketing, or you’re an editor?”
2. Have the correct mentality
Frustratingly, sometimes it’s easier to bag a pay rise before you even begin your job. That’s because the situation lends itself to negotiation and you can always turn down the offer in front of you.
However, if you approach the pay rise negotiations with the right mindset, you can have a similar impact. If you act like you would before accepting the offer, you can trick yourself into being more casual and confident.
Just remember there are other options out there and bear in mind how you approach the situation. Gary said: “If you can be strong psychologically and less desperate when it comes to that chat with your boss, then we’re going in the right direction. You have to trick yourself – play the field.
“You’ll have more confidence if you have something else lined up, so look out there on the market. In football, a manager will always want to warm up his bench in case he needs to make a big substitution. You should always look to build your bench and that will give you a boost.”
3. Timing
Gary also emphasized the importance of timing, saying, “When it comes to the big chat with your boss, it’s a bit like Goldilocks and The Three Bears. If your approach is too cold, it doesn’t go anywhere. If it’s too hot, you end up annoying your boss.”
He advised against asking for money during a pay review, instead suggesting that employees show their value through their actions. Gary recalled an example from his own experience, saying, “I once had a guy in my team who made it very easy for me to give him a pay rise. Let’s call him Steve for the purpose of this.
“Steve was incredible. I trusted him so much because he just made stuff happen. He had a famous saying, “Don’t worry. Leave it to me and I’ll make it work.”
“He never had to ask me for money once. In fact, he was so good at his job and so valuable to me that I was the one worrying that I would lose Steve.
“He had a great attitude and made me certain that if he was involved in a project, it would get done. He had put himself in a position where I couldn’t afford to lose him.”
“On the flip side, I’ve had people who have held me to ransom. They’ve threatened me that if I didn’t give them a pay rise then they would go elsewhere. Here’s a fun fact about me: I don’t enjoy being threatened – and neither will most of your bosses – so don’t do it.”
Career Catalyst: Ten Secret Job Skills They Don’t Teach You at School by Gary Gamp is out now on Amazon, available on paperback and on Kindle for a special price of 99p. For more career tips from Gary, listen to The Company Doctor Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
