Introduction
It’s the performance review season for most employees. Everyone is happy because a raise could be in store. But things might not go the way you planned. What happens if you do not get the raise? It will be helpful if you know why.
You didn’t get the raise
Before you start dreaming of what you will do with the money, know that not everyone is in for a pay raise. In fact, even if you’re doing a good job, there are actions or decisions you may have overlooked that are preventing you from getting a pay raise. So if you have another year ahead of you until the next round of annual reviews, now may be the perfect time to assess whether you’re going to get that raise you need.
If you’re not getting that raise you think you deserve, here are 15 reasons to consider:
- You are not punctual: if you are the one that believes waking up naturally is far superior to the blaring sounds of an alarm. You do not like the morning rush and prefer to arrive at work in your own pace. Your boss might not see it the way you do because he needs employees that are ready to start work on time. If you’re consistently late they’ll think you take your own time more seriously than theirs. Don’t be surprised that the person showing up at 7:50 every day is the one who actually gets the raise.
- You disrespect your colleagues: relationship building is one important skill that an employee should have. Get to know your coworkers. Ask them about their vacation plans, family, outings, etc. Avoid using abusive words with your coworkers and learn to be friendly with them. You do want your coworkers to say good things about you. Reputation helps!
- You don’t like your boss: There need to be a natural and flourishing relationship between you and your boss. Even if there is no good relationship, or you do not like your boss, learn to refrain from outward expression of your anger. You can’t force yourself to be best friends with your boss, but perhaps you could refrain from outright giving them the evil eye during those morning meetings. If you cut out your own attitude issues in the workplace and do good and they still come at you like you don’t belong, then it might be time to get someone else involved. Or perhaps find a new job if there doesn’t seem to be a supportive future at this one.
- You don’t take feedback: if you are the kind of employee that gets feedback but does not implement it, there are chances that your boss will lose interest in you. Your boss will point out what you are doing wrong or what you could be doing better because they obviously want you to start doing things differently. But not everyone is in the place to hear feedback because it comes across as strong criticism, and some people like to think that they’re doing things right all the time no matter what.
- You do only what’s expected of you: Doing your job is what you are paid for. A raise is set to occur when your boss sees you doing more than what he expected. A raise is a sign that your boss sees that you’re contributing at a higher level than what you were originally hired to do. One good rule of thumb is to be an employee who makes your boss’s job easier: Volunteer to take on additional projects and think about what you can do to lighten her workload. Or notice what she is complaining about, and figure out how to solve a problem within your department. If you present solutions for her now, you’ll find your superior more willing to meet your demands later.
- You don’t solve problems: An employee who complains all the time but does not make efforts to resolve that complaint will always be avoided. Everyone wants to get close to a problem solver and he or she is likely to be included in their decision making. Ultimately, the people who get raises are the employees who consider it their jobs to provide solutions, not raise problems.
- You don’t call attention to your accomplishments: Neither of these extremes will help you get that salary bump. And, admittedly, mastering the fine art of self-promotion isn’t easy. First, make sure that your boss is aware of everything you’ve taken on. And feel free to share your successes—they show that you’re capable and competent. Just be subtle about it: Set up a meeting to discuss the projects you’re working on, mention key wins you’ve had and ask for feedback on how you could still do better. Another good strategy: Rely on third-party praise. Copy your boss on an email chain discussing a successfully-executed project or forward her a particularly moving compliment from a client.
- Failing to plan ahead: Along with showing initiative and cultivating a broad network of business resource contacts, let your boss know that you’re constantly in learning mode and expanding your depth of knowledge. If you can converse intelligently on a variety of topics related to your industry and the world at large, you are a more valuable employee. If you’re stuck with only the information you were pre-programmed with, you’re like the un-updated GPS that tries to take you down a road on which the bridge is out.
- You don’t take care of yourself: You may be surprised at the number of people that lack personal hygiene in the workplace. Is your deodorant effective? Are you sure? When you meet a new client, are they wincing at your firm handshake or trying to not to gag because of your coffee breath? Is it clear that you did not sleep in your clothes, but instead selected them from drawers and hangers? Basic? Should be. But we’ve all encountered the occasional cringe-worthy exception. Recognize averted eyes or noses as the social cues they are intended to be. Although your hygiene might not have any impact on your actual job performance, your manager might be less apt to reward someone he/she can’t stand to be around at the office. Even if your company doesn’t have a dress code, try to keep your clothes neat, tidy, and well-maintained. As they say, “dress for the job (and the salary) you want.”
- You Don’t Ask: Still think you deserve a raise? Then you need to ask. For many, the idea of asking for more money may be fraught with fear, but it doesn’t have to be. As you can see from this blog, doing high-quality work is the best leverage you have when requesting a pay increase, but there are other ways you can support this goal as well, which we’ll discuss below.
Conclusion
A performance review season does not guaranty a raise.
If you need a raise, you have to work for it.
Work on yourself and build relations.
See also How to Approach Your Boss about a Raise
See also How to Handle a Lowball Salary Offer
See also Comparing Job Offers: Employee Benefit Packages
See also How to Answer the Salary Question in an Interview: Nigerian Perspective
