Time for a raise, right?

It’s appraisal time and you’re thinking, “time for a raise”, right? Only you’re not sure where to start and how to ask for this. 

First of all, don’t make the first mistake that people often make in their 20's, by thinking your boss will see your job(s) well done and figure you deserve to be shown appreciation in the form of a raise on your paycheck.

Chances are, your boss is just as busy as you are and her attention is going to problem solving and other matters.

Make it happen

If you want something, you can’t wait around for it to magically happen. 

Luckily for you, I’ve learned how to ask for what I want, deserve and need, over the career years; and I am going to teach you how to do this too.  

Whenever I am ready for the next step in the form of pay and promotion, I made that happen using the STAR method. 

Here is how you can get a raise, a promotion or land a job, using the technique that successful people swear by:

Why you use the STAR method

The reason you're using the STAR method is to show the value you add to the company in practical and relevant ways. Your manager may not be aware of your accomplishments and achievements.

Preparation: Be specific

So, you're going to frame your value added in a concise way, to get you results.

Do remember NOT to just explain examples of how you are good at your current job. Make sure that you specifically highlight how you exceed expectations and that those results deserve compensation that exceeds your present salary. 

How you use the STAR method

Here is how you use the STAR method:

1. Situation

Describe a situation that confirms your value. Provide context and describe the questions:

• Where it was?
• When did it happen?
• What was your role in it?
• Who else was there?

This is useful in storytelling because it:

• pulls the person listening in
• uses other senses to process, because your manager will then visualize the information
• helps your boss to retain the information better
• illustrates how the information relevant

2. Task

Describe the task you were doing and give brief background information:

• What task were you asked to do?
• Who expected this of you? Company? Your Manager?
• What were the expectations put upon you?
• Tell about your challenges - what you were dealing with

3. Action

Describe your action taken:

• What did you do?
• How did you get the job done?
• What tools did you use to do this?
• How did you deal with the challenges?
• Use words like: "I solved.." "We calculated..."

4. Result

 This is the most important part for your manager Explain the results you achieved:

• Explain what results you achieved for the company or your manager
• Highlight where you specifically exceeded expectations.
• Quantify your results. This is very important. Here are some examples:
• Financial gains
• Savings
• Reduced waste
• Clients attained
• New suppliers
• Rewards

These Extra Tips will Seal the Deal:

3 Stars

Use the STAR method and describe a few situations that all point to how you have earned a raise. Our research points to the ideal number being no more than 3 situations.

It's not about you

What matters most to your managers? What do they value? When using the start method, put yourself in your bosses shoes. Think about how you have added value to the company, from their perspective.

Be specific: What's your magic number?

Check market conform salaries and bonuses. Decide on your magic number: the amount of money you want. Then make some negotiation space, and if asked, be prepared to ask for more than your magic number. A good negotiations rule is to add 20% to your magic number.

So the goal is

The goal is to make that career move and get a raise, promotion or achieve your goal, by providing relevant information that is useful to your superior whom is reviewing your raise.They can then in turn use this to assess and confirm your value, as well as convince others that you are deserving, with facts and information that confirm it.

"A star is like a good friend, you don't always see them, but you know that they are always there."

Starry inspiration

Silver Star Necklace

A little luck is always with you, when your're wearing it! Wish on this silver star. Short chain, sterling silver. Did you know that stars are a universal sign for positiveness and good luck?

Gold Star Necklace

A little luck is always with you, when your're wearing it! Wish on this gold star. Short chain, sterling silver, gold plated.

A star is like a good friend, you don't always see them, but you know that they are always there.

G-STAR RAW Black Jumpsuit

A black jumpsuit goes with everything. Wear it to your interviews, day to night and more. The perfect wardrobe builder key piece for your power outfits.

Star Sweater

The perfect sweater for casual Friday and most design companies. Wear it with black skinny jeans, in leather or denim to complete the look.

So this adorable navy sweater is for the little ones, BUT if you're like me you can shop in the big sizes of the girls section. Yes, I have the sense of style of a five year old sometimes. ;-)