How uncomfortable is asking for a pay rise??
It seems us women are still more reluctant to ask for a pay rise than men.
Studies show that only two in five women are comfortable asking for a pay rise compared to two out of three men!
Why is this?
I suspect there are many reasons but for me it was a bit of many things…
– I didn’t feel good enough
– I didn’t realise my value
– I was hoping my hard work would be noticed and a pay rise would be offered
– I didn’t want to seem ungrateful
– I was afraid that I would ask and be rejected
– I didn’t know how to have the conversation and I thought it would be uncomfortable
So how can we get over these barriers and ask for the pay increase we deserve?
• Work on your confidence and self worth – understand your strengths and what it is that you bring to the table so that you are clear on the value you bring. This will help to negate any feelings of being ungrateful for what you are already paid.
• Remember your boss is a busy person – recognising your input and offering a pay rise may not be top of their list. Be sure to bring your attributes to their attention, don’t be shy!
• Know that a rejection of a pay rise is not a rejection of you – there are other factors at play when approving pay rises such as profit challenges and reinvestment in other parts of the business. Ask what you need to do in order to achieve the pay rise you are looking for.
• Prepare for the conversation – do your research, make fair comparisons, identify and prepare details of your contribution, reliability and skills. Run through the conversation in your mind and anticipate any objections so that you can prepare your responses.
• Feel the fear and do it anyway – accept that it may feel a little uncomfortable then you won’t be surprised if nerves hit. Know that sometimes your request for a pay rise will be accepted and sometimes it won’t, either way continue to do your best and show your enthusiasm.
I’ve been working on these very things with a particular client and this week she was excited to tell me she had been able to negotiate a £500 a month pay rise and she was just beaming with confidence and achievement ?
Come on ladies let’s be brave and ask for what we’re worth!
