Once you have landed the job you want in the IT field, how do you go about asking for a raise and what the right amount is to negotiate? Ready to Hire offers the following ten tips on what salary surveys in the field are saying about how much your IT experience is worth and how to go about asking for a raise.
1. Survey Says
Before taking the step to sit down with your boss and have a conversation about a possible pay raise, look into what the salary surveys are saying about how much people are making in your field and position today. A great source is the Global Knowledge Salary Survey, as well as popular trade magazines, such as InformationWeek and CIO. These resources have useful information that will help set realistic goals based on experience, niche, and performance.
2. Certifications Can Help
Surveys have shown that those IT professionals who have obtained some sort of certification generally earn a higher base salary than those without the certification. Example: Since 2004, the average annual salary for those who hold a CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) has gone from $60,000 to $76,000, a whopping 26 percent increase.
3. One of Many
In the United States today there are 3.49 million IT professionals, and a recent survey shows that 7 out of 10 people say their number one reason for looking for a new job is the pursuit of higher pay. In many cases, the desire for a higher salary outweighs the importance of job stability.
4. Setting Your Salary
During your conversation, keep in mind your area of expertise and your level of experience. As with most jobs, your years of experience are a direct factor in your salary. Most professionals in the IT field that have 1-2 years of experience have an average salary around $47,000, while those with 5-7 years of experience can make $67,000.
When Asking for a Raise:
5. Be Aware
Before initiating a conversation, be aware of the state of the economy and how your company is doing financially. Also take into account when the best time might be to have the conversation. Often it is after you have had a great success or after you have been handed more responsibility in your current position. Sometimes the best time to talk can be during a review when you are already in the midst of discussing your job responsibilities.
6. Show You Deserve It
Make a list of what you have accomplished while working within the company, and then have someone else review it before presenting it with your raise request. Reminding your employer of your contributions reiterates your commitment to the company and encourages your employer to believe a raise is a valued investment.
7. Prepare to ask for "It"
"It" is not only about the conversation for the raise, but what you have shown your employer before beginning the conversation. Ask for more work that you know you have the ability to handle and stay late to meet deadlines.
8. Avoid the Simple Mistakes
Once you enter into the conversation with your supervisor, avoid emphasizing why you need the money, instead focus on your worth and contribution to your employer and why you deserve your requested raise.
9. Stay Away from Comparison
Keep your request for a raise specifically to your own needs without comparing yourself to another employee who may have a similar position. Most importantly, avoid threatening to leave the company unless that is something you are prepared to do.
10. Be Confident
Have confidence in yourself and what you are asking. If you have done the research in what salary surveys are currently saying and what kind of positive contributions you have offered to the company, then know that you are ready for the conversation.
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