1. Prove your value by documenting your accomplishments
Just as IT managers monitor the people under them, they must also track their own accomplishments so they can justify getting a raise, Perlewitz advised. She suggested keeping a daily or weekly log of projects and achievements so managers can put together a list of the most important ones that demonstrate their value.
“Many IT managers make the assumption that their bosses know exactly what they did,” Perlewitz said. “In large organizations, busy CEOs or CFOs only remember what you’ve done for them today. They don’t remember details from quarter to quarter because they’re so busy.
“Adding value means more than doing your job well,” Perlewitz explained. “Developing and designing systems or networks that increase productivity or profits is a clear justification of value.”
Turning in an average work performance translates into a cost-of-living raise at Perlewitz’s company. A better-than-average performance brings an 8 to 10 percent raise. An exceptional performance means an extra percentage point or two on top of a 10 percent raise plus a $2,500 bonus.
Consider these additional tips that will increase your chances of getting a decent raise.
2. Ask for feedback
An excellent way to prove your value and stay in a boss’ sights is to constantly ask for feedback.
“You stand a better chance of getting the raise you want by building a good working relationship with your boss,” said Steve Torres, HR director of the California State Automobile Association in
San Francisco.
He suggests that managers request biweekly or monthly
meetings with the CEO to evaluate their performance.
“This is an
excellent way to find out if you and your boss are on the same wavelength and
meeting management’s expectations,” Torres explained. “This is also an excellent
way to improve your performance. A decent raise is almost guaranteed if your
boss perceives your performance the same way you do.”
3. Location can affect the amount of a raise
Find
out what competitors are paying senior IT managers around the
country.
“Your location has a lot to do with salary levels,” said John
Motroni, president of JPM Consulting, an HR consulting company that works
exclusively with technology companies in San Jose, CA. “Pay scales in large
cities like San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and Boston are usually higher than
salaries in Dayton, Jacksonville, or Baton Rouge because the cost of living is
much lower.”
Conversely, the worst time to ask for a raise is on a Monday or
Tuesday.
“The mood is all business, deadlines have to be met, projects
completed, and meetings abound,” Torres said. “If your CFO has problems of his
own to contend with, raise negotiations are not likely to be well received.”
4. What NOT to say when asking for a raise
Every word during your meeting with your CFO should justify your raise with sound business reasons. The following arguments won’t carry any clout:
“If nothing else, he’ll admire your persistence, which is yet another reason to justify a raise,” Motroni added.
Torres’ best advice in this situation is to keep all your bridges intact. “If you don’t get the raise you think you deserve or are denied a raise, make sure you leave your CFO’s office with the same excellent rapport you had when you entered it. There is a good chance you’ll have a similar conversation again in the next year.”
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