Since the onset of the pandemic, unlike some of your friends, you are still employed and actually thriving. You consider yourself lucky. In the depths of the COVID-19 crisis, you were thoroughly into your work, loving your job.

Aware of your contributions, you are convinced that now is the time to ask for a raise.

That conversation is never an easy one, especially now that the media keeps stating the the consequences of COVID-19 are fatal for many Canadian businesses.

Courage. Inspired with these four steps, you will be able to be strategically earning what you feel you are worth, if, your employer’s situation allows it.

1) DO YOUR RESEARCH: ROLE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND VARIATIONS

Validate and ask about the salary scale for your position, internally and according to various sectors of the economy. Your quest should include the scales based on the number of years of experience as well as the level of education. Evaluate your skills against the job positions that are now on the market. Write down your number. You need to see it, to visualize it. That number should be realistic, while reflecting your job, your current responsibilities as well as the ones that you are willing to take on. Having been an HR manager as well as a manager, I also recommend that you calculate the percentage that you desired increase represents. It is often easier to justify that number into a departmental or company budget.

2) PREPARE YOUR EVIDENCE: RESULTS, FEEDBACK AND RECOGNITION

List your accomplishments and your successes by making sure to include your performance reviews and the compliments that you have received. Consider preparing a one pager for your boss that will highlight all this information.

3) BE STRATEGIC; SYMPTOMS, SITUATIONS AND SOLICITATION

First, validate the financial state of the company. If things are going well, depending on your boss’s habits, choose the ideal time for your meeting, either with the evaluation of your performance (if it is positive), before the budget review or after a “job well done”. Do not suggest this conversation in passing or during a break. The right time prepares your boss for the right amount. Formally request a meeting in email with “The future of my career” as your subject line. Practise the possible conversation with a trusted friend.

4) ASK: CONFIDENT, CALM AND CLEAR

Predispose yourself. Dress accordingly. Look like what you are supposed to be doing. Use a friendly tone and simple language. Don’t go on forever. “Thank you for granting me this meeting. I like my role here. I have been with the company for “x” years. We have achieved great things together and they have produced good results for the company. I look forward to our next collaborations (name how you will contribute in the future). I would like to discuss an increase in my salary. ” Pause. Wait. Ideally, let her come up with a salary number first.

If she asks you how much you want:

“I would like to be at “Y”, by the start of “Date”. This salary is (depending on your motivations): in connection with my peers, the average in the competition, takes into account, etc.”

If she presents an offer first and the amount is not what you want:

“Thank you for your consideration. After validating the market, what I had in mind is “$”. Pause. Then, if necessary, negotiate or request a day to think about it”.

If it is “no”, depending on the reason:

Ask how you can earn what you want. Negotiate other elements, like: an increase in commission, additional vacation days or a training budget that will empower you to perform new responsibilities.

If there doesn’t seem to be an appreciation of your talents, do not threaten to leave. Such demands will damage your reputation and prove the refusal to increase your salary to be right. Celebrate yourself for daring. Learn from the experience. Update your resume. Start taking a look at current job offers. Often, the best way to increase your salary is to change employers. “Unfortunately”, is probably what you are now thinking. But time may prove you wrong… You’ll see! And please keep me informed of your  success julie@etiquettejulie.com.

Translated from August 11, 2020 published article on veroniquecloutier.com (c) Julie Blais Comeau