Aliso Viejo, CA (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) January 26, 2005 -- According to Norman Lieberman, executive recruiter and owner of The Pay Raise Coach, “what have you done for me lately,” is the operative question to ask before seeking a pay raise. Everyone wants more money, but seeking a raise doesn’t assure getting one. At pay raise time, it is paramount to bring all accomplishments to the boss’s attention.

Mr. Lieberman explains, “Bosses have short memories. Have you added value to the job since your last raise? Cost-of-living raises of around 2% don’t count as a raise. That merely keeps you close to even with inflation. You want at least 5%, and preferably closer to 10% or more.”

The following five tips will dramatically increase the chances of winning a satisfactory and successful raise:

1. Maintain a list of accomplishments since your last pay increase. Neatly type the list in a bullet format, and use metrics to demonstrate the degree of your success. Example: Instead of saying, “I learned how to run the high-speed press,” say, “I have increased output of widgets by 108%, while reducing production time by 16%.”

2. Well in advance before asking for a raise, assist co-workers and your boss by helping with their excess projects. Learning various roles increases your value to the company, as well as your value directly to the boss. He certainly won’t want the work you’re now doing given back to him.

3. Never, ever tell anyone connected with your firm, even your closest work friends, that you intend to seek a raise. People talk, and that talk can hurt your pay raise chances.

4. Never give personal excuses for securing a raise. Excuses like, “everyone else is paid more” or “my car is old and in need of repairs” are not legitimate corporate reasons to give you a raise. Negotiate based on contributions to the job and you’ll get respect and more money.

5. Typically, the best way to get the largest jump in salary is by going elsewhere, where accomplishments and achievements are still of utmost importance. These qualities may secure as much as a 30% increase at a new firm, where new employees’ skills may be more appreciated than at previous jobs. The new firm sees strong accomplishments and presence in an interview in stark comparison to what they don’t have.

“One example, out of hundreds,” explains Mr Lieberman, “is an Environmental Planner that I recently helped twice and got a total of 49.5% in pay increases. Many employees leave thousands of dollars on the table for the employer to pocket instead of themselves. Remember that just $1 per hour raise equals $2,080 per year in your bank account.”