Blog Post: When is the "Perfect Time to Ask for a Raise"?

Hi, this is Bill Kasko , President and CEO of Frontline Source Group, Inc. a temporary staffing and direct hire employment placement agency based in Dallas Fort Worth. So much is out of our control….stocks, layoffs, inflation, gas prices. But there is one area that you can influence -- your paycheck. The same salary may not cut it when it comes to covering the growing costs of gas, food and housing. Maybe you love your job -- but if you have been earning the same paycheck for awhile, now might be the perfect time to ask for a raise. But remember that during tough economic times, asking for a raise can be damaging if you do not present your case in a professional manner.

DO - Know your worth in the Market today?

Research your own value. It can be a real challenge to determine this value. To overestimate, when asking for a raise, can be painfully embarrassing, and to under estimate could cost you.

Questions you should know before asking for a raise:

• What salary should someone in your position earn?
• Where can you turn to for salary information?
• How can you present your case?
• What do clients, co-workers and managers say about your performance?
• Can you state clearly your direct effect to the company?
• Are you confident in your job performance?

Once you have the answers to the questions it is time to ask for the raise. If you are denied the raise at this point DON’T GIVE UP!!! You should always ask for a follow up conversation regarding a raise before you leave the room. Six months is a pretty good time and make sure your boss states why you did not get the raise so that you can make your improvements during these 6 months. Sure, this may put pressure on your boss but it also lets your boss know that you have confidence to pull off what they are asking of you.

After the 6 months has passed and you have done everything your boss has asked of you, he/she should have no problem following through with a raise or at least another discussion. If you are not satisfied with the outcome then the next move is the hardest one of all....the point of no return.

Please visit us at www.frontlinesourcegroup.com where you will find information about us and our available positions. Make sure you submit you resume!

Frontline Source Group is one of the fastest growing Staffing agencies for Technical Services Information Technology Accounting Finance Human Resource Legal Administrative and Clerical employment staffing. Our offices are currently located in Dallas , Fort Worth , Plano , Houston , Sugar Land , The Woodlands and Austin Texas and Now Open in Pensacola Florida.