WriteJobs.com -- How to Earn More in 2004

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How to Earn More in 2004

by CareerJournal.com

While we'd all like to be making more money, asking for a raise is one of the most stressful work experiences all of us face, reports CareerJournal.com, The Wall Street Journal's executive career site.

"Simply working hard often is not enough to earn a raise or promotion," says Tony Lee, editor in chief, CareerJournal.com. "And the fact that you need more money is never a good reason to ask for a raise. Your request should always focus on your achievements and value at work, and how much you should be earning compared to others in your same industry, function and location."

Fortunately, the Internet makes it easy to determine how much you should be earning, since many salary databases are available for research -- including hundreds of free salary tables on CareerJournal.com.

"When you sit down with your boss and can offer printouts of salary data that show you are underpaid, your boss will take notice," Mr. Lee says.

CareerJournal.com offers these tips for earning more as the job market improves:

Keep track of your successes -- record your accomplishments, use hard numbers proving your performance and show tangible results.
Document you job's fair market value -- research the market rates for your position, and be prepared to prove it.
Schedule a meeting to present your case -- show your boss what you have accomplished for the company and what you plan on accomplishing. "The best time to ask for a raise is after you've achieved a specific goal or accomplishment. Sometimes, the biggest raises and best promotions go to those who go out on a limb and ask for them just after they've proven themselves," Mr. Lee says.
Ask for a specific amount -- the more specific you can be in terms of your request, the better chance you have of obtaining a specific outcome.
Learn the art of salary negotiation -- the better you are at negotiating, the better the chance you have at being successful.
Be prepared if the answer is "no" -- ask what needs to happen for you to earn a raise in the future, and try to get a commitment in writing.

CareerJournal.com features more than 30,000 jobs and 2,500 articles on all aspects of job hunting and career management. CareerJournal.com also features salary data, negotiating tips, popular columns from The Wall Street Journal, and exclusive content from its own dedicated news staff. The site was recently awarded a gold star and named Best Executive Career Site by Yahoo! Internet Life magazine, received a Best of the Web award from Forbes magazine and was selected Best Site by CareerXRoads in their 2002 Directory.