You may need or deserve a raise. However, if you have to ask for it, the situation can become complicated. There is always the concern that the boss may consider a request for a raise as a negative comment on his or her job performance. It might also put that person into a position of having to ask the next person up the line if you can have a raise. This means that you may be putting your boss in an uncomfortable position.
Depending on how you word your request, it might be seen as an ultimatum. Care needs to be taken so that the request does not come with an "or else" attached to it. Statements such as, "If I don't get a raise, I'll quit," are ultimatums that may cost you your job. It is easy for a superior to respond to this type of statement by telling you that it has been nice working with you. So, unless it is your intention to quit if you do not receive the raise, do not say it.
Asking for a raise will automatically spawn a review of your work, attendance, and attitude. If any of these are questionable, be prepared to defend your record. If you have not done your homework on your own performance, you will leave the meeting very embarrassed . Part of your superior's job is to control cost. Employee salaries are often a big portion of the budget. Even a top-flight employee may be asked to raise the level of output in exchange for a raise.
Getting a requested raise will generally cause your work to scrutinized for several weeks or months. The boss wants to see if the company is making money on your output. Any slack in your work will viewed as the result of a let down after getting the raise. So, getting a requested raise means that you should work harder for at least a couple of months.
There is a danger that you will feel additional pressure to prove your worth after getting a raise that you had to fight to receive. This pressure leads to errors on the job for some people. If you cannot handle the pressure, be careful about asking for a raise.
Do not compare your work too heavily to those that work around you when asking for a raise. Sometimes, the person that you pick may be in jeopardy of job loss because of inferior work or poor attendance. Try to rely only on the merits of your own performance.
Realize the by asking for a raise, you have to be able to keep a measure of confidence about your salary. The last thing your employer wants is a line of people asking for more of the company's money.
Be prepared to accept more responsibility. If you are at the top of the scale for your position, it might be that the only raise possible is attached to a promotion. If you do not want to change positions, you may not want to seek more money.
