Wednesday we posted a story on our site and in the paper Thursday that gave pointers on how to ask for a raise. I thought this list (below) was interesting too. It's from one of our comment posts on the story.
He has his own tips on asking for a raise:
From Bob:
I can appreciate this Yahoo like "news" article, but come on, it should be more like:
Step No. 1
Do your job. Don't keep track of every little thing you do, because it's your job.
Step No. 2
Work your butt off for the salary you already get.
Step No. 3
Don't surf the web while you're on the company dime. Better yet, don't do it at all at work!
Step No. 4
Hope that you don't get a pay cut this year. Be really happy with a 3% raise and think about people you know getting a 100% pay cut.
Step No. 5
Go ahead and threaten to quit. Do it. Your boss has already considered that one and has in mind a replacement for your job already.
Step No. 6
If you ask for a raise, make sure you do it on a happy day. One where a bunch of orders just went out and you know the bank account is fat. If the boss is trying to figure out how to pay the electric bill, he might look at your salary as a way to do it.
Really folks, it isn't a problem to ask for a raise, but be very careful about it.
Step No. 1
Appreciate your employees. You might think you hold the power in this economy, but the second things start to thaw get ready for all your major talent to fly the coop.
Step No. 2
Pay your workers a fair wage and they won't have to beg for a raise.
Step No. 3
Don't call your employees at home or require them to check email constantly. Don't ask them to work without overtime.
Step No. 4
Hope that you get to keep your best employees. If they leave, it's your fault. The best people can find good jobs, even in a bad economy.
Step No. 5
Ok, so I will. Good luck replacing me. If you have an attitude like this no one is going to want to work for you -- unless they are trapped by family or a mortgage.
Step No. 6.
That's your job. Stop complaining and do it. Also, don't order things you can't pay for -- that includes good talent. Good luck working with the people who are left behind.