What to say when you want more money

February 22, 2012|employees, Tips At work| No comments yet

Most workers think they are worth more money than they make, but few are adequately prepared to ask for a raise. If you feel like you deserve a higher salary, prepare to make your case by following these suggestions.

First, check the going rate in your area and field. Do some research on what your colleagues are making before determining how much you are going to ask for. Keep in mind that salaries often fluctuate based on experience, location, company size and career level.

After determining how much you think you deserve to make, start updating your resume. It most likely has not been touched since you landed your present job, so make it more current by adding things you have accomplished in your current position. Use power words that will grab attention and concisely describe your activities. Examples of these power words include active words like implemented, generated, directed, conceived, negotiated, organized, represented, succeeded, participated, projected, accelerated, awarded, instituted and ensured. Other power words are adjectives that describe your attributes. Examples of these power words include proficient, knowledgeable, efficient, capable, consistent, mature, resourceful, thorough, versatile, educated, experienced, profitable, well-rounded and effective. Use these power words in place of bland or weak words.

The evidence section of your resume contains your work history, experience and education. If you use this section properly, it may just get you that raise. Your experience section should include power words that describe your recent work accomplishments. Instead of telling your boss that you are a great salesperson, show him or her by pointing out how you increased sales in the last quarter or landed a big client. Anyone can write about how great they are, but your job is to show your boss actual evidence of your accomplishments.

You can also use your updated resume to describe a new career objective. A resume objective is a clearly defined statement that briefly but concisely describes your experience, attributes and skills and includes your future aspirations. If you are asking for a raise and a promotion, this section of your resume is the place to do it. Even if you are only asking for a raise, this section will show your employer that you are serious about your career and future at the company.

Finally, make sure your resume is presentable, professional and proofread. Even the smallest grammatical error or typo can make your boss think twice about giving you a raise. Throughout this process, you must put your best foot forward. You can do this by making sure your resume is a positive reflection of your skills, attributes and experience.