Five golden rules of asking for (and getting) a pay hike in UAE

Many employees just don’t know how to go about asking for a salary hike. For them, asking for a raise can be a fearsome experience and something tantamount to a gross error.

This is not the case.

Asking for a pay hike, when it’s not coming in the normal course, may seem unpleasant but does not make one appear uncommitted.

Chances are that you’ll be talked into settling for what you’ve already got, but if you approach your boss the right way and handle the situation carefully and with poise, you may get a revised increment letter.

Emirates 24|7 picked the brains of leading recruitment experts in the UAE, and has distilled these nuggets of wisdom to bring to you a definitive guide on asking for – and getting – that elusive salary hike. Here are the five things that you need to do:

Be Straightforward

“Be direct and honest,” says Konstantina Sakellariou, Partner, Marketing & Operations Director at Stanton Chase International. “If one explains his/her case for asking the raise, I am sure that each manager at least will listen carefully,” she adds.

If you have made up your mind, recruitment experts that this website spoke with lists some points that you should remember when you approach the boss.

Prepare your case

You need to advocate your case, put it forward, reason it out with the boss and convince him that you’re worth more. This will need you do the homework and approach the issue with the right mindset.

“Before the meeting, think about the reasons why you should receive a promotion or pay-rise. Keep a running tally of key accomplishments and contributions you’ve made to the company’s bottom line, problems you’ve solved and how you’ve saved the company money. Also include any specialised training you have taken that is relevant for the new role,” James Sayer, Director, Robert Half Middle East, told Emirates 24|7.

Keep a ‘cheat sheet’ with you if you’re too preoccupied with the tasks at hand and do not remember the accomplishments at the drop of the hat, or if you have a laundry-list of achievements.

“If you want to ask for a pay rise, you need to be prepared to explain to your boss why you deserve an increase. Be prepared with stats that will show off your hard work, new ideas and why you should earn more,” adds Jennifer Campori, Managing Director, Middle East and Europe, Charterhouse Partnership. 

But remember to not highlight every little ‘feat’ of yours – don’t bore your boss with inane things like how you use the least stationery among your colleagues or how your desk is always the best organised. Use your discretion to highlight things that have really matter and not just have superficial impact.

Do your homework

Before you actually go confront the boss, you need to be aware how much you are actually worth.

Talking to people in the industry about current salary levels and compensation is a good idea. You could actually be getting paid on the higher side, in which case it will not only be futile to ask for more money, but may even backfire.

“Review salary surveys, talk with professional contacts and recruiters and check comparable roles on online job boards. This should help you determine what pay band you should fall within,” Sayer suggests.

Set your limits – but be flexible

You sure must have a figure in mind when you sit down with your boss for a talk, but if he can’t – or won’t – match it, don’t sulk and barge out of his room. This is what can be considered unprofessional.

“Be flexible,” suggests the Robert Half expert. “Before you approach your manager about a raise, know specifically what you want and be open to other forms of remuneration,” he recommends.

“If you ask for a 10 per cent pay increase, and you’re told there’s no money in the budget, perhaps you can negotiate more flexible benefits package. If all else fails, ask your boss if you can discuss a raise six months from now when the company is in better fiscal shape,” he explained.

Don’t leave your manners behind

Never bite the hand that feeds you, so goes the old saying. Often, however, we forget this in a fit of rage when we can’t fork out what we think we deserve. Maintaining your calm and keeping away emotions is best even when you talk about a very touchy subject at the workplace – your paycheque.

“Be polite yet confident. Once you are in the meeting, explain briefly which position or area of new responsibilities you have in mind and why you feel you are qualified,” says Sayer.

“Maintain a calm demeanour, and do not become defensive or emotional, even if your request is not immediately accepted. If you are told that the timing is not right, ask politely when it would be appropriate to bring up the matter again, and how you might improve your skills in the meantime,” he adds.

“Never go in with a sob story or aggressive manner – this will never work. Be calm, be prepared and know exactly what you’re worth and why,” sums up the Charterhouse expert.

If you follow these five golden rules of asking for a pay-hike in the UAE, chances are that you will land what you expect – provided you deserve one in the first place.

Happy negotiating.

(Home page image courtesy Shutterstock)

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