December and January are traditionally the months in which employers and employees get together for an appraisal or performance review. If these meetings go well, they are also a good time to ask your employer for a raise. Now that we're working from home on a frequent basis, there's a good chance that this conversation will take place via Teams or Zoom instead of in the office conference room.
But how do you negotiate a pay rise via a video call? Aline Lewy, managing consultant with international recruitment firm Robert Walters, shares 5 tips to ensure you are well prepared to negotiate a pay rise with your employer.
1. Research your worth
Researching the market value of someone in your position and comparing your salary is a good starting point in your preparation. Aline: "The Robert Walters digital salary survey tool is ideal for this. In no time you get an extensive overview of the salary trends of professionals in your field. Does your market value appear to be higher than the salary you currently earn? Then don't hesitate to share this tool with your manager, in order to support your request for a salary increase."
2. Keep it confidential
Discussing a salary increase is obviously not something you do in the open space. Under normal working conditions, you and your manager would have the discussion behind closed doors, in a meeting room for example.
When working from home, it's obviously easier to schedule this meeting via Teams or Zoom, without having to worry about prying eyes of colleagues at the office. "Whichever way the conversation takes place, keep it to yourself and don't openly discuss your salary or plans to ask for a raise with your colleagues," says Aline.
3. Show self-confidence
You are well prepared and the online meeting is scheduled. Now it's important to present your arguments why you deserve a pay rise in a clear and confident manner. Keep your arguments and the amount you would like to earn at hand.
"Even in an online meeting, it is important not to get upset when your manager questions your arguments or appears not to agree with what you say. Make sure you clearly know what your employer expects and how your skills contribute to this", advises Aline.
4. Take on more responsibilities
Aline: "Is your manager not yet completely on board with your story? Then use this online meeting to go deeper into your future in the organisation. Where do you see yourself? Which additional responsibilities can you take on in the short term? Taking on extra responsibility can help you negotiate a higher salary. After all, you do more work for the same money, while at the same time showing an interest in growing and developing your skills. Usually, employers appreciate this ambition and are eager to retain people with these qualities. So don't hesitate to schedule a mid-term review meeting with your manager within six months to show how far you've come."
5. Develop yourself
Professionals who proactively develop themselves further by acquiring additional training, courses and extra qualifications really stand out from the crowd. "Make sure that these extra courses are also relevant to your position. Otherwise, it will have little effect if you cite this as a reason for a higher salary. Is your manager not immediately prepared to give you a pay rise? Then find out if he wants to make a financial contribution to your training. Even online, there are plenty of courses and training available."
Find out more?
Want to know your worth? Compare your salary with our digital Salary Survey tool. You may also like our tips and advice for a successful phone interview.
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