Earn more even if you have an Environment Job, Admin Job, It, or Accounting Job

You know you deserve more, you’d like to think you’re worth it and have worked hard to earn it, but why does even the thought of approaching your boss or employer send shivers of terror down your spine every time you think about asking them for a pay raise? A lot of factors come into play when considering this but don’t worry. Here’s what you really got to do to get that increase you’ve been dreaming about for months. The following secret steps are carefully layed out to help you maintain your composure and lay out your case without seeming overly demanding.

1. Set the Stage-Prepare a Meeting
   Simply ask for a review meeting to discuss your performance but don't mention the main purpose because your boss is more likely to say 'No' there and then. Take control of the situation and arrange a meeting which will enable you to make your case and sell your argument.
2. Hit the Books-Do your Homework.
   Prepare, prepare, prepare. Know your company's policies. Are you supposed to have an annual performance review to determine your wages? Does your pay advance go according to a fixed schedule or rank? Who can make that decision. Read the employee handbook and talk to someone in Human Resources.
3. Be Honest & Genuine-Do you Deserve it?
   If you think you deserve it, don’t accept the pay raise that you are offered. Managers often have discretion within their budget and can at often times provide better pay raises than are actually offered. Know what you’re worth and create a list of your accomplishments. Take the initiative to learn new skills and take on added responsibilities without being asked to do it.
4. Timing is Money
   Wait until you’ve built up enough expertise, knowledge and customer relationships to be perceived as indispensable. Be considerate to your manager’s stress levels and workload or your case will viewed as an unwelcome distraction. The best time to negotiate is usually after a period of consistent performance that places you as the obvious candidate for a pay rise.
5. Calculate Cost of Living in your Area
   Know what the cost of living increase is for your region. If you’re offered a 3 cost of living increase… take a guess what?! You just got a pay cut! Put your case out clearly on the table without any misunderstandings or miscommunication.
6. Respect- State your Case from a Position of Power
   Pay particular attention to the problems you have been working on, and how you helped ease and solve them. Why are you worth more money to your employer? How has the companies’ profits improved since and was it because you've been there?
7. Show some Backbone
   Step up and ask for a pay increase outside of your normal cycle. If you’ve blown the socks off of your manager or supervisor, take advantage of the time to ask them to show their appreciation through a pay increase. If it’s absolutely not allowed, ask for a bonus.
8. The Key to Turn a Negative into a Positive
   Sometimes there are genuine reasons why you may not get a pay rise, but  it's not all about the money. There is always the opportunity to get a nice counter-offer. Just because your boss has said 'No' to a pay rise doesn't mean that you cannot ask for non-financial benefits as an alternative.
9. The Gold in negotiating for Perks.
   Don’t be fooled, there’s gold to be found in negotiating for perks. Be prepared to accept that a salary raise won’t fly at the moment – in part because it would involve extra taxes and workers’ compensation for your employer. But you can ask for other things, including an extra week of vacation, extra personal days, educational benefits or increased car or mobile phone allowances. Think about other benefits that the firm might find it easier to accommodate, such as holiday or flexible working hours etc….
10. Be Smart-Don’t Burn your Bridges!
    If despite your best efforts you have not been able to successfully negotiate the pay rise that you want, you may decide that you feel undervalued by the company. Unfortunately, we live in a day and age where green jobs, admin jobs, etc.. are plenty for qualified, good employees. The largest pay increase you’ll most likely find yourself achieving is the one you get when you leave your employer and find another job. Unfortunate, but true!  But, at the very least, you should leave the door open for approaching the subject again in six months' time.