What Is The Best Way To Ask For A Raise?

CrpntrFrk

The company I work for now is the best company I have ever worked for. Other than being on my own that is. Someday I will be back to being my own boss. But anyways my boss is a great guy and the next man in line is his son. Now I don't know how much more he makes but I do know it is more. His son is younger than me and less diverse if you will. He has been at his fathers side ever since he was a kid so understanding the way his dad works his easier than me understanding. So in the end his son has less tools, less years, less variety construction experience, but has the ability to almost read his fathers mind. That can mean alot when you are on the job site. There is less calling of the boss and more work getting down that he knows his dad will like. So in conclusion of my freakn book here I understand why his check is bigger than mine. Obviously he is family for one but he has worked with his dad so long that it takes alot of stress away from the big boss.

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DO IT!! DO IT!! DO IT!!

custrel

I don't think you understand something, if that guy is a sub, then he may be taking home $5.50/hr more than you in his paycheck, but b/c your employer pays benefits and half of the social security tax on your wages, your total cost per hour to your employer may be the same or MORE than the sub.

So you might be costing your employer as much or more per hour - total payroll cost - as this sub. If you go in comparing your take home wages to the sub's, and you might lose your case even if you deserve a raise for other reasons. As others said here: comparing subs and employees are like comparing apples and oranges. And subs are usually cheaper than employees.

The best argument you have is what you yourself think you are worth. Like others said, be straightforward and lay out your case for a raise to your boss. Back it up with facts. DON'T mention an amount yet though.

If you are a valuable employee, and it sounds like you are, then your boss will consider giving you a raise. If he agrees, he'll probably do one of three things:

1- Lowball you. Use that amount as your starting point.

2- Ask you how much you want. Don't give an amount. Turn that around and ask him how much he thinks is fair for someone of your skills and abilities. He might offer you more than you thought. Use his amount as your starting point in the negotiation.

3- Offer you more than you thought. If he does this, it means he really wants to keep you and may be concerned that he will lose you - even though you haven't said anything about leaving. Again, don't accept right off, use that as your starting point.

Compensation comes in many forms, not just $/hour. You employer may want to pay you more - you said you had to take a paycut - but maybe he can't afford it right now.

You can negotiate other things like a gas card, mileage, paid - or unpaid - time off. New tools. Bonuses for finishing a job under the budgeted estimate.

Think of what the total package is worth, not just the $/hour.

Finally, if you aren't satisfied with the result, shop yourself out. You said no one is hiring, so your boss will have more leverage there; but if you are a valued employee, he'll work with you to keep you happy.

WNYcarpenter

Subs in this aspect are convenient.....it's common......they cut down on paperwork, (taxes, insurances etc...) and they are more easily expendable. Often after they've fullfillied their purpose they are let go.

Your employer is fishing waters to keep YOU employed full time. When deadlines are an issue subs are brought in when they can't justify hiring another permanent employee! That's called job security!

Grow a pair and take charge! You have to sooner or later! It's a big step, but you're the "employee". Subs arent invested as much as employees should be. You represent, they get paid.

Hearing the rates subs get is hard to swallow, but don't let that bother you. You are full time, and in my mind, have more pull than a sub working "side by side" doing the same work.

Stepping up and taking charge is a growing pain, but you have to to get more pay.

WNYcarpenter

The hardest aspect of trade-work for me was taking control confidently. I don't care how much you think you know, can you take on a project with a crew and get everything done well?

what if you're given a couple guys who think they're better than you? Can you keep everyone happy and be efficient? I'm too nice and I'll do the worst projects before I'll ask someone else to do something I don't want to do myself!

Employers know what it's worth to have something done (they bid) you prove you're not worth losing you'll get a raise when you ask!

Go to the office prepared with examples of why you're better than when you were hired or since your last evaluation.

You'll drive yourself crazy comparing rates. Don't ever say what yours is and don't ask.

WNYcarpenter

One more thing,

employers are reluctant to freely give raises 'cause people talk too much....someone finds out you got another 1.00 then they're ticked, spreads like wildfire. Soon enough the entire crew wants more. EVERYONE in their own mind is the ideal employee.

forsmant

Good points all around. I am humbled and going to work extra hard to prove myself before I go and ask for the raise. Thanks to all.

WNYcarpenter

That's great, but this is tough crowd sometimes. Don't be discouraged.

No one said you weren't deserving of a raise, and I don't believe anyone told you not to ask. You SHOULD ask, since you won't get one if you don't. The worst that can happen is the boss laughs and says no. You'll never know if you don't ask!

You sound like a good employee and probably someone your boss wants to keep.

Here's what I would do (have done)....

Make notes and be prepared before you ask. Have a list of reasons why you deserve a raise. Your original post sold most of us, with the exception of comparing wages! (don't do that!)

eg. I like working for the company and would like to stick around.
I enjoy what I'm doing and learning the trade
Since I started I've learned this (list helps) etc... and I able to do...
I'm not real good at...but I am trying to learn, or would like to learn
I really would like to purchase a new vehicle...explain the benefits
I would like a raise. (I asked for an amount, that's up to you)
I'm willing to take on more responsibility, what can I do

Be prepared for criticism, but don't be intimidated. It's a hard thing to do, but most employers are willing to discuss $ as long as it is a discussion not a confrontation. THAT'S THEIR JOB!!!

Good Luck!

WNYcarpenter

It takes balls to ask, the anticipation is the worst! Once you've done it you'll feel so much better! No more wondering...

You'll know where you stand and you will have started on your way to establishing a relationship with your employer.

I wish more bosses took the time to sit with their employees to discuss business.