Pay raises

What was your annual increase this year? Is it what you expected? Do you want to know how to improve your performance rating and get a bigger pay increase?

As an employee, you have to be pro-active and be prepared to tell your boss exactly how you have performed for the year. I know what you are thinking, isn't that the responsibility of my manager? Here is the problem with that kind of thinking. Your boss only knows how a fraction of your day is spent. You need to fill in the blanks.

How can you improve your chances for a higher rating and a better pay increase?

First, understand what you are being measured on. Ask your manager questions on how each measure will be evaluated.

Second, get your manager to explain in detail what you need to do to get the highest rating for each measure. Your goals should be specific and give you the opportunity to exceed them. Get your boss to be specific. By doing this, you help eliminate the gray area in a very subjective rating process. You will know exactly what is expected and how to exceed those expectations.

Third, and the most important, keep a file (don't rely on your memory) that supports how well you did at each measure. When you are reviewed, your manager will be amazed at how well prepared you are. This tells your manager how serious you are about your performance and career development. It will also give you the necessary ammo to persuade your manager to rate you higher.

Fourth, accomplish your goals and be prepared to remind your manager that you accomplished exactly what was expected of you in order to exceed expectations.

By following these steps you will greatly improve your odds for getting a better performance review and higher pay increase.

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