Many professionals struggle with the idea of advocating for a raise or promotion, unsure of when or how to broach the topic. This can lead to stagnation and frustration, impeding your professional growth and financial success.
There are myriad reasons why many of us aren’t comfortable with negotiation. For starters, talking about money or advancement can feel intimidating. Perhaps you have just received a job offer for a role or company you like, but with a reasonable offer in front of you, you may worry that asking for more is jeopardizing the opportunity. Some may think they have less bargaining power than others — a natural feeling coming out of unemployment or recently enduring a negative experience at a previous job. Others might feel like they have the leverage they need to get their desired salary or title, but as a result, might under prepare for the conversation that needs to be had.
It’s important to remember that when it comes to your career, not asking could mean leaving considerable value on the table. And so can asking in the wrong way. The solution? Mastering the art of negotiation. This not only involves understanding your value but also knowing how to present it effectively and confidently.
In this article, you’ll learn how to negotiate a raise or promotion successfully, and begin to understand how leveraging your executive assistant (EA) can make this process smoother and more productive. Let’s enhance your negotiation prowess and set the stage for your next big career leap. Ahead, the best ways to ask for a career advancement.
Why is negotiating a raise or promotion important?
Negotiating a raise or promotion is critical because it’s directly tied to your professional growth and financial stability. It not only rewards your current contributions but also sets the pace for future earnings and positions you for better opportunities. Think of it like climbing a staircase. The most successful route is bit by bit, as it’s not reasonable to skip five steps at a time. That’s the same with your career path, to an extent. You should set realistic goals through manageable actions, like working toward the position above yours or discussing how your performance can leverage your wage at every annual review.
When is the right time to negotiate a raise or promotion?
The right time to negotiate a raise or promotion varies, but it’s generally ideal during performance reviews or when you’ve significantly exceeded your goals. That’s mainly due to the fact that it’s important to have concrete evidence of your value to the organization. When asking for a raise, you need to build out a case for yourself, which is entirely reliant on your performance at work.
Be wary of asking for a raise during times where your company has a strained budget or when a big project didn’t go as planned. Timing can often be the make or break of these situations.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when negotiating a raise or promotion?
When negotiating a raise or promotion, there are several mistakes that are (surprisingly) made too often. This includes not doing enough research, not quantifying your contributions, being overly emotional, or accepting the first offer. It’s important to be prepared, confident, and patient throughout the negotiation process. The good news is, it doesn’t take much to avoid these mistakes! Ahead, we will break down how to successfully ask for your raise or promotion.
Debunking Executive Negotiation Myths
Various myths about executive negotiation may discourage or mislead professionals when it comes to negotiating for a raise or promotion. It’s important to separate fact from fiction to ensure that you’re conducting your negotiations with the right mindset and approach. Let’s explore some common myths and debunk them.
Myth 1: Companies will automatically recognize and reward your hard work
Many professionals believe that their efforts will automatically be recognized and rewarded with a raise or promotion, but this isn’t always the reality. Managers may not be fully aware of your accomplishments, or they may be focused on their own objectives and priorities. It’s important to take the initiative to showcase your value, achievements, and skills through a well-prepared negotiation.
Myth 2: Negotiating a raise or promotion will strain your relationships with management
Negotiating for a raise or promotion can be a delicate process, but it doesn’t necessarily lead to strained relationships with your superiors. In fact, a well-executed, evidence-based negotiation can strengthen your professional relationships by demonstrating your commitment to growth and the company’s success. The key is to approach negotiations with preparation, professionalism, and respect, fostering healthy dialogue rather than conflict.
Myth 3: Executives should wait for the perfect moment to negotiate
It’s common to believe that there is a perfect moment or ideal set of circumstances for negotiating a raise or promotion. However, waiting for the “perfect” opportunity can lead to missed chances and career stagnation. While timing does matter and it’s wise to avoid certain situations (e.g., when a company faces budget constraints), it’s more important to focus on your value proposition and be proactive in your pursuit of growth. Don’t shy away from taking the initiative based on perceived barriers; instead, recognize that meaningful career conversations can create opportunities even in less-than-ideal situations.
How to Negotiate a Raise or Promotion
The latin proverb “fortune favors the bold” has profound truth to it. If you don’t go for what you know you deserve, you can be leaving a considerable amount of money or perks on the table. And although asking for a raise or promotion can be nerve-wracking, it’s a skill that can be mastered with preparation and practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to set you on the right track.
1. Understand your value
Begin by understanding your value within the organization. Review your achievements, skills, and the unique attributes you bring to the table. Are there tasks only you can perform? Have you exceeded your targets? These factors contribute to your ‘value proposition’ and form the basis of your negotiation. If you don’t truly believe you are valuable, it will show through in the discussion. Our best recommendation for improving your confidence and belief in yourself is actively practicing positive self talk, which you can work on with a good podcast or book.
2. Research and benchmark
Next, conduct thorough market research. What are individuals with similar roles and experiences in your industry earning? Several online resources like Glassdoor and Salary.com can provide this information. This helps you to understand industry standards and where you stand.
3. Develop your proposal
Develop a solid proposal based on your value and research. Detail your accomplishments and demonstrate how you’ve positively impacted the company. It’s a good idea to build a case over time, if you’re willing to wait a few months before setting up your meeting. Quantify your achievements — collect emails and highlight projects that support your proposition, and flag real life examples of moments that your character has stood out in any workplace situation.
It’s also important to be clear about what you’re asking for — be it a salary increment or a new job role. If you are too passive about it, your manager will easily find a quick fix that doesn’t check off all of your boxes. Consider how your approach will be perceived by the employers on the other side of the negotiation.
4. Leverage your executive assistant
An EA can play a pivotal role in this process, helping you prepare and strategize for these discussions. They are your ally. Get them to help gather performance data, refine your proposal, schedule meetings, and even assist in crafting compelling arguments. Their intimate knowledge of the company dynamics can also offer useful insights.
Since negotiating is not something we all use on a day-to-day basis, it’s essential to brush up on the skill before entering a meeting discussing your job. Ask your EA to run through some potential scenarios with you. This will help you get in the right headspace and feel familiar with what you will need to say in your presentation.
5. Deliver your proposal
It’s time to present your proposal. Be confident and assertive, but also remain open to feedback. Remember, negotiation is a two-way process. Listen as much as you speak, and be ready to counteroffer if necessary.
On that note, keep in mind that there are likely many alternatives to what you ask for, and your manager might try to offer you a different sort of package. It’s the natural give-and-take of salary negotiation. Benefits and employee perks like a new title, professional development opportunities, flex hours, or extra vacation days might be put on the table in lieu of what you are asking for. Consider what is valuable to you.
6. Follow up
You are in the driver’s seat. Don’t rely on others to hand you what you are asking for. In other words, make sure you follow up after the discussion and keep nurturing the connection. Thank those that met with you for their time and consideration. If you’ve received a positive response, express gratitude to your superior and clarify the next steps. If it’s a no, seek feedback and inquire about potential future opportunities. If you need time to review things, kindly ask for a few days to think about your offer.
7. Maintain professionalism
Throughout the process, maintain a high level of professionalism. This shows your maturity and respect for the company’s decision-making process, whether the outcome is in your favor or not. It also shows that you are a team player, which is definitely leverage for future reviews and meetings of the same nature. Chances are you will still be working with these professionals after your meeting, so keep things light and cordial.
Concluding thoughts on negotiating a raise or promotion
The bottom line is: job negotiations can be pretty complex. It’s a teeter of many things — searching for the right role and getting an opportunity, while also ensuring that you are being compensated for your experience and skills. It’s a crucial career tactic that requires understanding your value, researching industry standards, crafting a strong proposal, and presenting it confidently. It’s a practice that takes years and years of trial-and-error. So, don’t be too discouraged if the outcome isn’t how you envisioned it, and remember — negotiation is not just about getting what you want, but fostering healthy, open conversations about your career growth.
If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, start preparing today. And if you need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to leverage the skills of an Executive Assistant. An EA can be a strategic partner in this journey, providing support and insights, as well as peace of mind in knowing that you have someone on your side who is fighting for your best interests. At Persona, we vet and hire thousands of EA’s to help busy professionals reach their full potential. If you’re interested in working with us, check out these testimonials from our clients to get a feel for what we can do for you.
Step up to the plate and begin advocating for your career growth. With the right preparation and by following the proper steps, you’d be surprised at how successful your negotiation skills can be.
