The number one sign that you are getting a raise when that time comes is that you consistently are doing more than you are paid for and second, you take more responsibility than your peers.
The person who consistently outperforms their co-workers will get noticed, every…single… time. Life works this stuff out. The beautiful thing about working within a free market system is that there is opportunity everywhere. This isn’t communist China where you are assigned a job for your entire life. If you work harder than everyone else, the company you work for will HAVE to give you a raise in order to keep you. The best people consistently make TWICE, even more than the average person in that field. If you want to make more, than you need to work today like you want to be paid tomorrow. That is how it works.
Do me a favor, the next time you hear somebody say “I don’t get paid enough to do that”, take note of that person, who they are, how much they are currently making, how they carry themselves, how they dress, how they talk and where they are at in their field. More than likely, they are not doing very well for themselves, they most likely don’t have much respect and they are probably very poor. Don’t be that person. Instead, say, “I am the best at what I do, I’m the hardest worker on the team and I am hungry for more!”
“Be humble, be hungry and always be the hardest worker in the room!”
–Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Before a raise will come, those people that get them are typically doing a job that is already bigger than for which they are currently being paid. Take a look at yourself, give your work ethic an honest critique and if you want a raise, always do these few things…
Own It
Owning your job means taking complete responsibility for it, going above and beyond, truly caring about the “fingerprints” you leave behind. It means being the “go-to guy”. When your boss asks for volunteers, raise your hand and do it quickly. Take the hard jobs every time. Don’t weasel your way into the easy jobs. Instead be the person who is counted on every time to get the hard jobs done. Take ownership of tough projects and find ways to fix big problems to increase your value.
Absorb Blame / Pass out Credit
The best employees suck up the problems and never point their finger. True leaders find and solve the problem; they don’t throw people under the bus when they do. Leaders don’t complain, they find solutions. The lowest paid people complain. The highest paid people are solving the problems.
“Most people take credit and give out blame; Leaders take blame and give out credit!”
Taking responsibility is not a complete guarantee you will get a raise but it certainly ranks up there as one of the most important things you can do to get it. Consistently over-deliver in everything you do. Suit up, show up and deliver the goods! Determine to be the best worker on your team. When it comes time for a raise, look inward at yourself and not necessarily outward at the company. Position yourself for more money, don’t wait for circumstances. Rather, CREATE your circumstances!