Knowing when and how to approach the subject of a pay increase can be a tough call in any job, but as a carer and a part of a family it can be that little bit harder.
Are you giving your best day in and day out, caring for others and gaining more experience and responsibility? It could mean its time to ask. Below is our guide on how to ask for a raise in 5 steps to help you decide when and how:
1. Know the Going Rate
The first thing you should do before you ask for a raise is learn about typical salaries in your field. Armed with this information, you’ll not only know whether you’re earning a competitive wage, but you’ll also be able to make a compelling case for a raise.
Use Care.com’s babysitting rate calculator, search the websites of professional organizations in your industry and even ask fellow carers to find out what others with similar positions are making.
2. Timing Is Everything
If you’ve held your current position for a year or longer at the same pay rate, now is probably a good time to bring up the topic. Most companies offer performance reviews and opportunities for pay increases on an annual basis — and so should a family that you work for. If you haven’t had a review with your employer, ask for one. Share this article on planning your one-year review and use it as an opportunity to talk about a yearly raise.
You’ll also increase your chances of getting a “yes” if you have a recent accomplishment you can point to. For example, if you’re a nanny and the family has recently expanded to include a new baby, it’s the perfect time to request a raise.
3. Set Up A Meeting
When asking for a raise, it’s important to present yourself as a professional. Casually mentioning to your employer that it would be nice if you earned more money is not going to make much of an impact. You need to take the prospect of a raise seriously — because if you do, then so will your employer.
Once you have your case ready to present, ask your employer if you can schedule a time to meet and discuss a business matter.
Present your case and see what your boss says. If you get it, great! If your raise is turned down, ask what else you can be doing to deserve a raise and if you can review the matter again in six months. If your employer simply can’t afford to pay you more, ask if there are additional things you can do to earn more money. Or can you compromise with a slow increase over time? But if you’re not being paid what you should, it may be time to look for a new job.
4. Sell Yourself!
Being a carer like a nanny or elderly care aide is an emotional profession, but you’re still a professional — and you don’t want to play on your employer’s emotions in order to get a raise. Asking for more money because of personal issues like debt or unexpected responsibilities places your employer in an uncomfortable position, especially if they really don’t have the additional funds to increase your pay.
Instead, frame your arguments for getting a raise on your own value. Be ready to demonstrate what you bring to the job and why you deserve a raise. Make a list of all the things you’ve accomplished in your role. Start with the most recent accomplishments and work your way backwards. Then make a list of your relevant skills and the things that make you successful at doing your job.
In a discussion on Care.com’s Facebook page about how to get a raise, Dillon G. says she uses that same advice: “I always discuss the reasons why I feel it’s deserved and go from there. I have never been denied, so it must work.”
5. Add it to Your Contract
A contract can be invaluable when it comes to negotiating a raise. Have your duties changed from what is in the contract? Are you working longer hours than what you agreed to? You can point to the contract as a reason why you need a raise. You should also have a section in the contract that spells out when you’ll have your annual review and when you’re eligible for a raise.
With some thought and preparation, you can ask for and receive a raise as a caregiver. Remember that you’re a professional, and you deserve professional consideration for the work that you do—so request your raise with confidence!