By Mark McDonald

Career Coach, Sli Nua Careers, Dublin North

What does it take to ask for a pay rise? Making that pitch can be problematic for many and the fear of refusal can sometimes outweigh the desire to make the request in the first place. Many factors can cause us to reconsider making that push for a pay rise.
Will my request make me look like a fool in front of my boss? Will they then think I’m now unhappy in the company? Might they think that I’m a bit bolshie? If this goes wrong, will it hamper future opportunity for me? These are all reasonable concerns when thinking about making a pitch for a pay rise.
The truth of the matter is that if you can justify a request for a pay increase then, you owe it to yourself to make that request. The most important variable to consider is whether or not your request can be justified.
You need to be confident that your request is a valid one which is based on evidence to show that your worth as an employee needs to be revalued. Consider some of the following;
• Has your workload increased over time beyond the original terms of your contract?
• Have you outperformed against agreed targets?
• Have you been regularly working extra hours without extra pay?
• Has the scope of your responsibility increased beyond what it was previously?
• Have colleagues been offered pay increases?
• Have you gone beyond the” call of duty” and added increased value to your employer?
If you can answer yes to one or more of the above, then you may be able to justify a request for a pay rise. Your next step should be to assemble a compelling case on your own behalf. You need to be able to prove your worth and justify a claim for a pay rise.
The meeting with your boss should be conducted in a calm businesslike manner. Don’t walk in with all guns blazing. Your preparation should enable you to present a case that clearly outlines why you feel a pay increase is justified. Clearly state your reasons by demonstrating how your performance is worthy for consideration.
As well as outlining how your current performance warrants consideration for a rise, you need to demonstrate the future value you can offer the business. Talk about the additional skills and knowledge you will bring to the role i.e. sales, planning, leadership, change management, continuous improvement, innovation and so on. Outline how your knowledge of the company and its market now enables you to contribute further to the success of the business.
Staking a claim for a pay rise should be conducted along the lines of any business negotiation. Both parties will have an opinion, and the one who makes the strongest case can go a long way towards success.
Prepare well in advance, present your facts and the very best of luck.

Mark Mc Donald is a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Career Coach with Sli Nua Careers www.slinuacareers.com who have offices nationwide. They specialise in assisting candidates with CV Preparation, Interview Training, Mock Interviews, Job Searching and Networking Strategies. For more information please contact 086 381 2555 or 094 954 2965.