What Employee Skills Do Employers Want Most?

Do you want a raise? Do you know the best techniques to convince your employer that you deserve one? You shouldn’t be surprised to learn that this is an acquired skill more than a natural ability.

Like most things in life, there is a right and wrong way to approach this subject. Learning the proper way to ask for a raise greatly improves your odds of success.

The Right Way to Ask for a Raise

• Design a plan and create a successful strategy. Spontaneously approaching your boss after eating, drinking, and playing softball at the company’s summer picnic is not a well-planned strategy and will likely not result in success. Spend time creating a plan and strategy you feel will be acceptable. You know your boss, basic company financial condition, and corporate culture. Use this information to help shape your approach.
• Learn what you are worth to your company and in the local (or regional) job market. Understand that while every employee may not have a compensation ceiling, most specific jobs have a maximum salary level. For example, you might be the top customer service representative (CSR) at your company. However, a CSR position salary range will never equal that of a senior manager or executive. The CSR job can only contribute a finite amount to your employer’s bottom line. Know this range and don't get carried away. Visit one or more of the many excellent websites that offer up-to-date data regarding compensation ranges for your job title locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Visit respected websites to learn valuable salary negotiation tips. Most employees are inexperienced in salary negotiation strategies. Fortunately, there is tons of information available on the internet that can help you acquire some negotiation skills. Apply the information you learn to your own workplace situation, including the personality of your supervisor and the current economic conditions.
• Be flexible and adaptable. Don’t be too strict with yourself or your employer. For example, should your company be under an unofficial hiring or compensation “freeze”, your boss may offer some increased perks or benefits in lieu of cash. Accept this reality that a) the compensation budget is tight, and b) that your supervisor does recognize that you merit a raise and is trying to accommodate you as generously as possible. In most companies, your flexibility and adaptability in this situation will be remembered and rewarded in the future.
• Display your talent and achievement graphically. Do not assume that your superior talents, skills, and accomplishments are obvious to co-workers and managers. If you have enjoyed public recognition for stellar achievements in the recent past, your ability may be common intra-company knowledge. However, if you’re lacking memos, commendations, or public company awards, consider preparing an “achievement summary." Document your factual accomplishments to help refresh the memory of compensation decision-makers when needed and appropriate. Don’t be shy, but refrain from creating a blatant sales document. Stick to the facts (including dates) and fairly objectively your noteworthy achievements for your employer.
• Target and focus on your future contributions to your employer. Even if you’ve been spending the last few evenings at home polishing and updating your resume, focus your plan and strategy on the future achievements and performance you're prepared to give your employer. Reminding your boss that you are focused on a long and successful future with the company should earn you more serious consideration for a salary increase request.
• If you have a mentor in the company, ask for help and advice. Do you have an official or unofficial mentor at your company? If not, consider adopting one. If you have another co-worker you can trust, regardless of their position in the organization, consider asking for their help with your compensation dilemma. They may be able to offer valuable advice that further improves your chances of success.
• Some “don’ts” to consider. Do not whine, get angry, beg, or be unrealistic in your expectations. Focus not on what salary you “need," but rather on the compensation increase you “deserve” for performance. Don’t be intimidated by the request, the process, or the meeting with your boss. Finally, don’t be overly disappointed if your request cannot be approved. Resentment won’t help you, particularly if financial conditions made a raise impossible. Remember, conditions change, sometimes quickly, and often for the better.

These suggestions, properly used, will enhance your odds of success when requesting a salary increase. Dr. Randall S. Hansen, author and professor, endorses these tips and expands on these issues in his literature. Visit his website for more information.

In all cases, when you deserve a raise, ask for it. Make a plan and adopt the right mentality before making your request. Properly preparing, clearly asking, having evidence of your achievements, and understanding the job market will make you more confident and comfortable. The way you present your request is just as important as the specifics of the request itself. Good luck!