Would you like to know how to successfully implement a salary increase? Then you should give good arguments to use in a salary negotiation. Because your supervisor will not grant you a wage increase out of pure courtesy. We'll give you 10 reasons that are very likely to lead you to a higher salary.
Providing the right arguments for a raise
You should go into a salary interview well prepared. After all, your boss wants to know why the company should pay you more. It is therefore advisable to identify concrete successes and special achievements and highlight them in the conversation. Here are the 10 most common reasons that warrant a raise:
1. Your suggestions for improvement have been implemented
Actually, it should go without saying that companies should reward good suggestions for improvement with a salary increase. Should your boss have missed the fact that workflows have been optimized through your ideas, remind him and present him with facts.
2. The company makes more money from you
Show your employer that the company has made money through your efforts. Did you make contacts that the company benefited from? Or have you increased your customer base? Have new orders come about as a result of your work? In the salary negotiation, explain how the company generated additional revenue.
3. You have optimized your qualifications
Qualifications can be improved in various ways: You may have learned a foreign language, successfully completed another further training measure or received further training from specialist magazines. It is precisely these additional qualifications that you should definitely address with a view to a raise in salary.
4. Larger area of responsibility
Another reason for a higher salary is an increased area of responsibility. If you have more responsibility or if your area of responsibility is to be expanded in the immediate future, this is reason enough to ask for a higher salary.
5. You have received a lot of positive feedback from customers
Many customers were very satisfied with your service and did you express this in writing? You should collect this kind of feedback in order to present it at the salary negotiation. Satisfied customers ensure good word of mouth - a good reason for a wage increase.
6. You save the company money
Do you negotiate discounts with suppliers? Or do you ensure that the company saves money through your efforts in some other way? Then this is another reason for a raise.
7. You have performed more than required
If you have done more than is necessary for your area of responsibility, you should list the additional benefits in the salary negotiation. Here too, your company could save money. Because if you did not take on these tasks, another worker would have to be hired.
8. Special commitment in a difficult situation
Was there a critical phase for the company in the past few months? You were there and showed your dedication - a good argument for a raise.
9. Commitment to greater customer satisfaction
Customer complaints have increased and you are suggesting that your boss address this issue. The prerequisite: the company pays you a success fee if you perform well. Negotiate with your manager the bonus that will be paid to you once you have increased customer satisfaction by a certain percentage
10. You have become the counselor for colleagues
You have a great deal of specialist knowledge in one area and colleagues will ask you for advice. Although you do not have to provide this information and assistance, you are available to support your colleagues with advice. So much effort should be rewarded: Use this argument as well in order to successfully negotiate a raise.
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In their professional careers, employees are repeatedly faced with the challenge of skilfully mastering salary negotiations. It's not always easy - especially for young workers. We have put together the 10 biggest mistakes that you as an employee should definitely avoid when negotiating salary with your manager:
1. Bad arguments: "But I would like to buy a new car"
Private expenses, costs or debts are not an argument in favor of a salary increase as they are independent of work performance. This will not convince a manager.
2. No preparation: "I should earn more"
Anyone asking for a higher salary should prepare accordingly. Completed projects, business developments and other, ideally successful key figures are used to measure the performance of an employee. So it makes sense to document your successes and use them as an argument in the salary negotiation.
3. Compare with colleagues: "Mr. Müller gets just as much"
Of course we see what our colleagues are doing, but that's taboo in the salary negotiation. It is essential to avoid comparisons with colleagues and jealous behavior. Only your own performance will be rewarded.
4. Compare with other companies: "My old employer wasn't that stingy"
Comparisons with other companies and employers are also out of place. Many supervisors perceive such behavior negatively, as it distracts from your actual job performance.
5. Threatening termination: "10 percent more or I'll leave"
Anyone who threatens to dismiss in a salary negotiation is definitely brave. Even if you actually achieve the desired level as a result, your relationship with your manager suffers. Not a good idea for those who want to stay with the company for the long term.
6. Wrong time: "Before you take the break - do you have a minute?"
In addition to the arguments, you should also consider the time when you ask your employer for an interview. It is better to avoid unfavorable moments such as before lunch or just before the end of the day. Annual and feedback discussions offer the ideal opportunity - provided the company is doing well economically at this point in time.
7. No self-confidence: "Maybe, but only if there are no circumstances ..."
Don't make yourself smaller than you are. Avoiding eye contact shows a lack of self-confidence. A self-confident and confident demeanor, however, illustrates your strength and ambitions - but only to a limited extent. Those who exaggerate also appear implausible. So the optimal mediocrity is required.
8. Clothing that is too casual: "Sorry, the jacket is in the wash"
You shouldn't always choose the outfit that's in the closet upstairs for a salary negotiation. It is advisable to wear professional clothing - they will take you and your demands seriously.
9. Getting angry: "Are you stupid?"
Are you well prepared and still not getting the raise you want? Keep calm and avoid emotional outbursts. Anyone who gets loud here reduces their chances of the next salary negotiations.
10. Demand too much money: "40 percent more, please."
Salary requirements vary and are always performance-related. Those who achieve success have the best chance of a higher salary, but you shouldn't overdo it. Claims between 5 and 10 percent are okay. It is better to take smaller steps than a big one.