As we charge towards Christmas time, it can be a stark reminder of our financial situation and a time of longing for a pay rise (okay, so maybe we’re always longing for a pay rise…). If you’ve been killing your daily grind lately, we’ve enlisted a pro to help you smash your performance review and score that promotion you’ve been hoping for.
Be Cool, Calm And Collected…And Confident
There’s a fine line between confidence and cockiness, and it’s not one you want to cross when you’re sitting in front of your manager asking for more money or trying to work your way to the top.
“Cockiness is when you’re all bravado but no substance,” says Simone Allan, founder and director of Mondo Search, who has been hiring and interviewing people for more than 20 years. “Confidence is when you have a calm conviction about your contribution to your team and the business,” she says.
Be aware of how you help the business achieve its goals and own that. Simone suggests keeping up to date with industry news and using an active tense to communicate how you’re contributing and kicking goals. Not sure how to find your professional voice? Joining an organisation like Toastmasters can be a great step in the right direction—it enables you to practice how you communicate, be it with your boss, in an interview or presentations, to give you confidence and the ability to negotiate your way up.
Finally, make a lasting impression by doing things people don’t typically do, whether it’s striking up a conversation about the business with the CEO, or reaching out to executives for mentoring.
Know And Show Your Value
While it’s great to be a likeable, fun person to have in the office, unfortunately, your personality alone isn’t going to get you a promotion. At the end of the day, you’ve got to be able to show you’re an asset to the business beyond bringing the laughs to Friday drinks. Keep a working document of your achievements and contributions that you can work in to conversations with your boss when there’s a potential promotion on the horizon.
“Numbers and figures are always a useful way to demonstrate your contribution, but also think about how you make a positive impact on workplace culture and team harmony,” Simone says. “You should also find out how in demand your skills are in the market and whether there’s a limited supply of people with your skillset. Seek has information that can help.”
If you’re someone who consistently works overtime in the hopes of showing your boss how dedicated you are, it might be time to change your tact.
“The time you spend in the office or at work isn’t reflective of the quality of your output,” Simone says. “Focus on providing value to the business, instead. Be results oriented, not a clock watcher.”
Ask And You Shall Receive
Workplaces that straight up offer pay rises to their employees off their own backs are few and far between so schedule a time with your boss to have a dedicated salary chat. The most appropriate times are once you’ve been in a job for 12 months, around your annual performance review or once your probation has ended if your contract says that’s when your salary can be reviewed.
Your performance review is usually one of the only opportunities throughout the year where it’s natural and somewhat expected (and acceptable) for you to negotiate your salary. It’s time to take advantage! Once you’ve given some evidence of how you’ve had a positive impact on the business (see point 1), try this script:
You: I’ve contributed positively to the business by [insert some of your key achievements, growth areas and other tangible factors that make your being there valuable]. I was hoping that the business might recognise that contribution with an increase to my salary.
Not sure how much to ask for? A 5-15 per cent increase is kosher.
Now you're armed with the tools and tips, back yourself and go get ‘em, tiger!
Ready for a new job all together? Find out which day of the week is the best time to apply for your dream job.
Image Credit: Christian Vierig
