How Do I Ask for a Raise Nurse Career Ny Nursing News

Show Me the Money: How Do I Ask for a Raise


Need one good reason to ask for a raise? How about one million? According to Glamour magazine, a woman who never negotiates for a pay hike loses an average of $1 million over the course of her career. Don’t wait for your boss to bring up the matter of money. Take your future into your own hands by learning how to get the salary you deserve – no matter what field you’re in.

Be Aggressive
Men are four times more likely than women to ask for a raise, according to Glamour. Why do we stand by idly while the boys make bigger bucks? “Men are not necessarily better workers than women,” says Michael Erwin, Senior Career Advisor for careerbuilder.com. “But they tend to be more aggressive in the workplace. They’re more likely than women to feel that they need to be receiving something more.”

So when it comes to pay raises, think like a guy. If you devote yourself to your job and produce high-quality work, you should be compensated for it. Asking your boss for a raise can be “one of the most uncomfortable conversations you’ll ever have,” says Erwin. But to get the salary you deserve, you’ve gotta do it. Take the initiative and schedule a meeting with the head honcho.The meeting with your boss is crucial, but the real work begins months beforehand.

Work It
“A raise is based on your performance,” Erwin says. If you’re planning to ask your boss for more money, you need to produce high-quality work. Go above and beyond your regular assignments. Volunteer for a tough project that no one else wants or hone your skills by taking an evening class in your field.


Another tack: Target one aspect of your job for improvement. For example, if you’re in marketing, work to boost your sales by 10 percent. Remember, too, that “forming a connection with your boss is key,” says Sharon Jordan-Evans, coauthor of Love it Don’t Leave It: 26 Ways to Get What You Want at Work (Berrett-Koehler, 2003). You don’t have to be best buds, but go out to lunch with your boss every now and then, and never underestimate the power of a water cooler conversation. Once you’ve demonstrated your ability in your field and established a relationship with your boss, it’s time to talk money.

How Much is Enough?
If you ask for too much, your boss won’t take you seriously. But if you ask for too little, you’ll sell yourself short. Do some research and find out what others in your field are making. Keep in mind that comparing your salary to your coworkers’ is bad office politics. “Never give an inkling that you know what your coworkers make,” Erwin says. Instead, look up your market value online. He recommends cbsalary.com, a site that provides salary ranges based on your education, skill level and years of experience in your field. You can also check out Our Tools Here at NY Nurse Career To Determene Your Worth.