10 Expert Tips for Getting a Raise or Promotion

So, you have been in your current job now for some time and believe you have proven yourself. Do you think it’s time you get a raise or that highly sought after promotion? Well here are 10 tips straight from the experts on how to obtain that goal.

1. Do Your Research

Knowing what you are worth is the key to
bargaining.

• Make a habit of frequenting the job and or career section of the newspaper or company website to see what’s out there and the going rates. 
• Ask around, and 
• Check out your government websites for comparable rates in your field, such as the ones listed below (Canadians only):

• Working in Canada - http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca/LMI
• Ontario Job Futures - http://www.jobbank.gc.ca
• Scott’s directory – go to your library or nearest employment bureau to obtain a copy 

2. Learn to Negotiate

Learn the art of negotiation; and the only way to do that is to start asking for what you want. The more comfortable you get with asking and haggling for what you want, the easier it will be when it comes time to ask for that raise or promotion.

• Whether it is an undeserved day-off or a 3 week vacation, ask for it and be prepare to bargain 
• Learn to be assertively aggressive (stand your ground respectfully) 
• Kick shy to the curb and move in confidence 
• Keep record of all your achievements, references and praise letters in a folder where they will be easily assessed when the time comes to present your skills.

3. Be Indispensable

Whatever you do, stay current with trends and developments in the field of your dreams.

• Go to industry conferences and seminars whenever possible 
• Read industry publications 
• Network and meet regularly with the experts in your field to trade ideas and information 

4. Be Visible

Who can forget someone that is forever present? Hang around and mingle with the decision makers.

• Volunteer to take on difficult tasks and challenges 
• Stay late and go in early 
• Bring your boss water, tea/coffee. Pay attention to these small acts of kindness 
• Stay pleasant and be nice to everyone 

5. Update Your Skills

Knowledge is power, or so they say, so stick with it.

• Attend evening classes for further training and or re-certification that could lead to your raise or promotion. 
• Stay fresh and knowledge - increase your level of education 
• Take advantage of employer’s continuing education programs 

6. Be Adaptable

Change is inevitable. Change is growth. With the rise in trends and technology, the more flexible and adaptable we are to change, the more valuable we become.  Employers naturally gravitate to those employees that are agreeable and enthusiastic to new approaches and ideas.

• Show enthusiasm 
• Be willing to learn and re-learn 
• Be accepting and supportive of new ideas and embrace change 

7. Be a Sponge

The more receptive you are, the easier you are to get along with. The easier you are to get along with, the sooner you will get that raise or promotion.

• Accept and seek out constructive criticism (useful and valid critique/feedback) and learn from them. 
• Integrate those feedbacks into your work 
• Use those suggestions to improve your performance 
• Be vigilant of signals and stimuli and use them to your advantage 

8. Sharpen Your Communication Skills

This is the one “must have” skill that we all need. However; the higher the pay and the higher up the ladder you climb, the greater is the demand.

• Learn to read for understanding – no skimming here 
• Take your time to read the information presented to you for understanding and clarity 
• Be sure you can demonstrate that you fully understand what is been requested of you. 
• Speak calmly and with the proper tempo (speed and pitch) 
• Try to enunciate your words as clearly as possible 
• Listen with intent 
• Brush up on your grammar

9. Improve Your Accounting Knowledge and Techno Skills

Learning to read a “Financial Statement” will show that you have an understanding for what the company does and where it stands in the industry that it operates as well as the company's cash flow. This could help you decide if you should stay with the company or go. It will also be a great asset to you as you climb the ladder by giving you that added edge of the competition; as well as save you a lot of embarrassment in your future endeavors. As for Technology, that's a no brainer.

• Invest in an “Accounting for Dummies” book or something of the kind, or Take a course 
• Get your accountant or tax guy to familiarize you with the basics 
• Know the difference between debit and credit and what side they belong on
• The more technological advance you are, the better for you - technology is taking over; down to our very personal, and not to mention, social life 

10. Ask For It

The key to success is asking for what you want. “Ask, and you shall receive.”

• Never take no for an answer – No is an invitation to try again. 
• Be persistent 

"No" is a foreign language that is incomprehensible in the minds of those who strive for EXCELLENCE!!!"
—Zoey McKenzie aka Zoey Dash, Miss Black Ontario, 2009

Bonus:   Stay healthy

Without your health, you cannot truly achieve your goals. Your health is your greatest asset. Take care of yourself.

• Exercise 
• Meditate 
• Eat healthy and nutritious food 
• Drink plenty of water 
• Rest 
• Take your medications 
• Get regular medical, eyes and dental check-ups

Now that you have the tools to help you on your journey to success, go get that raise or promotion

Thanks for reading. Please share.