WITH the cost of living in full swing - it's no wonder people are thinking about asking their boss for a pay rise.
In fact, 40% of working adults in the UK have asked for a pay rise from their employer this year.
But knowing how to ask for one isn't something we regularly discuss which can make the whole process daunting.
Fortunately, finance expert Georgia Galloway at Finbri has revealed the dos and don'ts of sitting your boss down and stating your case.
Come Prepared
Asking for a pay rise isn't as simple as it seems - you're going to have to back up exactly why you deserve one before heading into your meeting.
"The first step is to work out if you’d be eligible for a pay rise. Have you taken on extra responsibilities that weren’t in your job description? Are you contributing to the success of the company; for example, bringing in new business, increasing revenue, or improving efficiency?" explains Georgia.
She adds that you'll have to provide evidence of why you should get a pay rise.
It may also help to compare your current salary to similar roles in the area with the same sort of responsibilities, so you can get an idea of what you should, and could, be getting.
What not to bring up
The finance expert revealed that bringing up the cost of living crisis isn't going to increase your chance of getting a pay rise.
"Unfortunately, soaring costs of everything are affecting everyone – including your boss," said Georgia.
"Saying you need a pay rise purely because of inflation might not help your case. You need to be able to present solid facts and things you bring to the company that make you deserve to be paid more."
Practice your pitch
If you've planned a meeting with your boss then make sure you practice what you're going to say beforehand.
Confidence is often key and you don't want to be fumbling around with your notes when going over facts and figures.
She added: " Don’t give everything all at once – hold some points back so you have something to come back with if they ask questions or say no.
"Confidence is key, and body language can also play an important role."
Two words not to use
While it might be tempting to use softer language with your boss when asking for a pay rise, it can weaken your case.
Using 'I think' or 'I feel' can make you appear less confident says the finance whizz.
"To be a strong negotiator, you need to have the confidence in yourself and the facts that you’re presenting, to show how much you bring to the company and why should get a pay rise, not why you think you should get one," she explained.
Instead of using 'think' or 'feel' switch it out for 'know.'
Prepare for the worst
No matter how much planning you do - you may end up with a no from your manager.
Use an online calculator to work out how much of a raise you’d need to keep up with inflation, so you’ll have a starting point to work from.
Georgia recommends asking for something higher so when your boss inevitably goes lower, you can compromise on something close to what you actually want and need.
If that doesn't happen, or it has to go through several meetings think about what else they can offer you in the meantime.
",Ask if there’s anything else they can offer while you’re waiting, like more holiday, flexible working hours, or even opportunities for development," she said.
"An ultimatum might not be helpful; your boss may not respond well to 'if I don’t get what I want, I’m leaving,'" she warned.
Let your boss know
Don't just schedule a meeting or quick c hat without telling your boss you want to negotiate your pay.
Instead Georgia suggested giving them a heads up so they can also come prepared.
"They may be more inclined to say no to your requests if they feel they’ve been ambushed," she said.
"Allowing them time to prepare sets the tone for the meeting, and means they can have some figures in mind, rather than having to go away and think about it before proper negotiations can begin. If possible, make it an in-person meeting."
Don't give up
Even if you get a no at first, you shouldn't give up.
Instead of thanking them and moving on, ask when you can have another conversation to discuss a pay rise or what you can do to strengthen your case.
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