How to Get a Raise or Promotion

Don't go into the process with the mindset that you're entitled to ANYTHING.

• Your mindset is key
• It doesn't matter how long you've been at your current position
• It doesn't matter how much you do, how heavy the load, etc
• Prideful entitlement is an instant raise-killer

Assume that your boss is only aware of 50% of the contributions you make.

• It's usually not your boss's fault if they don't know all that you do
• If they're not aware it's probably because you're doing a great job
• Don't fault your boss for the gap. You should be reporting on your own anyway (good/bad/ugly)

You have to already be doing the job that you hope to be promoted to. When leadership looks to promote they look for people who are already doing it.

• This is the secret sauce: Live and lead at the next level BEFORE you make your ask
• You have to be moving ahead, not waiting for permission
• Look at the job description of the position you want. Do as much of it as you can right now

Go in knowing that the average raise is rarely more than 5% at one time.

• There are many types of raises: Merit, annual, etc
• For performance increase you will rarely see more than 4 - 6%
• Go for what you think you're worth! Believe in it. Don't let these statistics stop you
• What's the worst that could happen? Your boss will respect your initiative

Make a list of your duties but also list your accomplishments.

• This will help you as much as it will help your boss
• Make an actual document. You'll send this to your boss later and they will ask for it digitally.
• Tasks and accomplishments: What you do all day AND what the benefits have been over time

WORKSHEET: Tasks and Accomplishments Matrix

Think of real problems you've solved that make the company more profitable.

• This is big. Don't just list duties. Tell the stories of how you've solved real problems
• Keep the focus on profit. Measurable things. Efficiencies, productivity, dollars
• Recall a few personal case studies that you can share 

WORKSHEET: Problem Solving Worksheet

This is a mid-way reminder because at this point you're probably feeling pretty awesome about yourself. 

• Be polite throughout the entire process, even if it gets frustrating
• Be patient as this process can take weeks or months
• Be gracious and remember that work isn't all about our compensation

Use Glassdoor, Indeed, Salary, or similar tools to assess comparative salaries based on both your industry, region, and title. It can vary dramatically based on where you are.

• You must know what other people in your role/industry/region are making
• Don't rely on just on one source, compare as much as you can
• Make sure you account for variances and differences by industry/location/specialization
• Look at national resources and Association or Industry guides

WORKSHEET: Comparative Salaries Worksheet

Clearly communicate your own long term professional goals. People want to promote people with vision and self-leadership.

• A raise or promotion is an investment in you. No one wants to invest in something that will be gone quickly
• If you have a vision for your own career, you will be seen as someone that can be trusted with more
• Make your goals as clear as possible and remember, it doesn't need to be just about work

WORKSHEET: Personal Development Worksheet