LPC Trish is a mental health professional with over 30 years of experience in coaching, training and counseling. Asking for a raise involves two issues that are universally difficult for most people - talking about money and asking for what you want and need . Several important factors need to be considered before making this move - the timing of your request, the amount of the raise, and the quality of your performance.
Timing is critical .
There are certain times within a company when a request for a raise might be viewed as an irritant and will not likely be considered. If it has not been a good year for your company and it is the end of the fiscal period, a raise is unlikely and you may be putting your management in a tough position. If business is in a slump, profits are down, or your company has just lost a major contract or client, this may not be the time to step forward and add to the pressure. On the other hand if your performance has been outstanding, you have just successfully completed a major project, or recently brought significant profit to your company, the time is right to make the request, citing your accomplishments. The specific amount of your request is important .