Pete walked into his boss' office. "Ms. Smith, I'll be straight with you. I know the economy isn't great, but I have three companies after me, and I would like to respectfully ask for a raise."
After a few minutes of haggling, Ms. Smith finally agreed to a 5 percent boost. When Pete got up to leave, she asked him, "By the way, which three companies are after you?"
"The electric company, the mortgage company and the phone company."
We all have bills to pay. Our jobs are a good way to accomplish that. But if you feel like you aren't receiving what you deserve, you have to muster up your courage and ask for a raise. That is a conversation you need to have with your supervisor, not your co-workers. They don't make those decisions, and you will get a reputation for being the complainer.
Instead, prove you can perform the duties of your position and work your tail off making sure you're the best hire your boss ever made. Then it's time to ask for a raise. Here are some tips that will give you at least a fighting chance:
• Pick your time carefully. When you asked your mom or dad for the car keys, did you hit them up when they walked in the door or wait until after they had dinner and were in a good mood? Timing is everything.
• Be prepared. Almost everyone has an annual salary and/or performance review. But it's amazing how few people prepare for it. Get your act together and present your case in an intelligent, well-organized manner.
• Keep records. Keep a log of your accomplishments. Make notes in your daily calendar. That way, you won't forget anything, and you'll have the most reliable form of proof there is: written evidence.