Here's how you can secure a raise within your current organization.

It is critical that you perform 2 exercises. First - assess yourself. Know what skills and accomplishments align with your core values (the ones that bring you fulfillment). Second - assess what the company values and what your management values (note - not always aligned). Most people focus on the first exercise and get very excited about what their time is worth. Later they're disappointed because there's a disagreement in the raise discussion because there's a misalignment in the definition of "value." Look for areas where value overlaps between the 2 exercises. Remember that your boss/company are going to be more responsive to their definition than yours - don't ignore your own definition or you may be unfulfilled in the long-term.

Begin by evaluating your contributions and achievements within the company. Quantify your impact on projects, team performance, or cost savings to clearly demonstrate your worth. Understanding your unique skills and the value you bring allows you to confidently articulate why you deserve a raise based on your measurable contributions.

Taking the time to thoroughly assess your contributions helps you understand your impact and prepares you to present a strong case. Document specific examples of your successes, such as projects completed, problems solved, or innovations introduced. Quantify your achievements where possible, highlighting metrics like increased revenue, cost savings, or improved efficiency.

Start by exploring reliable sources such as industry salary surveys, professional associations, and job boards. Websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and LinkedIn can offer insights into salary ranges for comparable positions in your geographic area and industry. Networking with peers and attending industry events can also provide valuable anecdotal information.

Compare your compensation package with industry standards to ensure you have a clear understanding of where you stand. This knowledge not only helps you gauge whether your current salary is competitive but also provides leverage during negotiations by demonstrating that you are informed about fair compensation practices in your field.

What is your company's published pay range for your current position? It's good to start with your company's own data for further exploration as it may impact the "wiggle-room" your manager has for granting raises. Check out Salary.com or other great sites that focus on salary data based on common criteria. Play around with the criteria to see how experience, location, etc. may have an impact. How does your company stack up? If your company is significantly different than what you found - you'll need to explore deeper before having a salary discussion. Prep for a discussion with your manager. It's good to start with talking about your process and then work towards asking for the raise.

Pay attention to the broader context within your company. If the organization is celebrating recent successes, expanding, or posting strong financial results, it might be a more favorable time to discuss a raise. Conversely, if the company is undergoing budget cuts, layoffs, or other financial difficulties, it might be wise to wait until the situation improves. Also, consider your boss's schedule and workload. Avoid times when they are under significant stress or dealing with major deadlines. Instead, choose a moment when they are more likely to be receptive and have the bandwidth to consider your request thoughtfully.

Aim to initiate discussions during performance reviews or strategic planning periods when decisions about compensation and budgets are being made. By aligning your request with positive developments or milestones, you increase the likelihood of a favorable response and demonstrate your awareness of the organization's priorities.

Time your raise request strategically! Leverage moments like project successes or performance reviews to demonstrate your value. Consider the company's financial situation and use critical thinking to pinpoint the optimal moment to make your move. By waiting until our company's financial situation improved, I was able to negotiate a significant salary increase, highlighting my contributions to our newfound success.

Clearly articulate how your efforts have positively impacted the company's goals, whether through increased revenue, cost savings, improved processes, or enhanced team performance. Provide specific examples and quantify your achievements wherever possible to substantiate your request. Additionally, propose a realistic salary increase based on your research of market rates and your contributions, ensuring your proposal is reasonable and aligned with your value proposition to the company.

1. Don't just say you "increased sales" or "improved efficiency." Use numbers and data to quantify your achievements. For example, "Increased sales by 15% through implementing a new marketing campaign." 2. Highlight how your contributions have benefited the company. Did you save the company money? Did you improve a process that streamlined operations? Focus on the value you bring. 3. Replace generic statements with strong action verbs and concrete examples. Instead of "I worked hard," say "Successfully spearheaded a project that resulted in a 20% reduction in production costs." 4. Show that your contributions directly support the company's growth and success.

To successfully request a raise, articulate your case clearly and succinctly, supported by concrete evidence. Emphasize your key accomplishments and how they have benefited the company. Instead of merely asking for a higher salary, illustrate why your performance and contributions merit it. Frame your proposal as a narrative where you are the central figure, continuously adding value to the organization.

Craft a compelling raise proposal by showcasing your achievements and impact on the company. Use evidence to demonstrate your value, and tell a story that highlights your contributions. Clearly explain why you deserve a raise, making a strong case for your worth. For instance, I prepared a detailed proposal highlighting my successful projects, exceeding sales targets, and positive feedback from clients, resulting in a salary increase. By presenting a data-driven case for my raise, I demonstrated my value to the company and secured a promotion with a significant salary bump.

Before you make your case, practice your pitch thoroughly. Think ahead to possible questions and prepare your answers. This isn't just about memorizing your speech; it's about honing your delivery to be confident and convincing. The more prepared you are, the better you'll handle the discussion, even if it takes an unexpected turn. Use this time to refine your argument, making sure it's clear, logical, and persuasive.

Consider rehearsing with a trusted colleague or mentor who can provide feedback and help refine your pitch. Practicing your pitch not only boosts your confidence but also ensures you can effectively communicate your achievements, value, and desired outcomes during the actual negotiation, increasing your chances of securing the raise you deserve.

Remember that most managers aren't magicians. As a manager, I had a strict process that I had to follow when securing raises for my team members. A good manager will look for opportunities for her/his team proactively but don't just assume that your manager will (even if you think they're a good manager otherwise). Decide whether you trust your manager's judgement and give them some time to work the system before deciding to take more drastic action. Of course, if you don't already have that trust in your manager to give them some time to work the system then perhaps that's a topic for more self-reflection - regardless of the "raise" topic.