Recruitment experts reveal how to get a pay rise in 2019

THE new year is often the time to turn a new leaf, so we've asked three recruitment experts for their top tips on getting a pay rise in 2019.

Global jobs site Monster sees a 76 per cent increase in job searches in January compared to other months in the year.

But many find it a tricky subject to bring up with their boss. Yet, if you do it in the right way you could actually get a sweet boost to your monthly pay-cheque.

The Sun has asked three recruitment experts to find out the best way to get a raise in 2019, and whether the new year is a good opportunity to ask for one.

Is 2019 a good time to ask for a bumper salary?

Wages are increasing at their fastest pace for a decade, and luckily for workers, this could be set to continue.

Sinead Bunting, vice president of marketing, Europe, at jobs site Monster, told The Sun that UK salary trends predict workers could be about to see an increase of 0.8 per cent in 2019.

For those earning £20,000 per year, this would mean an extra £160 more in their pockets.

But workers shouldn’t get too excited though, she added.

“It’s worth remembering that pay rises will be worked out in line with how well your company and the UK economy are doing, and with Brexit on the horizon we’re in for an unpredictable period,” she said.

“However, don’t let Brexit negotiations stop you from having the conversation with your boss.

“Even if it ends up being a no, it’s still a good opportunity for you to demonstrate the valuable role you play within the company.

“It may also give you the chance for your employer to identify skills and offer possible training to help you get to the next level.”

Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, expressed similar opinions when The Sun asked him about it.

He said: "Ongoing economic uncertainty has had an effect on many businesses, with most employers having to think very carefully about how they’re spending their budgets.

“Despite this, we've seen an ongoing trend this year of companies pushing up their salaries in a bid to attract and secure talented employees - meaning you could be in a positive position.

"As we enter 2019, it is difficult to say whether now is the right or wrong time to ask for a pay rise, especially given that there is still so much uncertainty around the outcome of the Brexit deal planned for March.

"My advice would be to put together a strong case for why you deserve a raise in 2019, but be prepared for your boss to negotiate with you.

“Unfortunately they may not be able to meet your expectations, so be respectful that this might be out of their control for the time being."

Yet it's important to remember that Brexit won't harm all industries, with some sectors and companies actually seeing a rise in job opportunities.

There’s also no harm in trying, so if you feel like you’re not getting paid enough, follow these expert tips to boost your chances of getting a welcome salary rise in the new year.

How can I get a pay rise?

1. Do your research

First and foremost, it’s important you think through the reasons why you deserve a pay rise.

In fact, “it’s your strongest negotiation tool,” Glassdoor careers expert Mark Di-Toro told us.

";The most important rule of negotiating a salary is knowing what you’re worth and what the employer can offer.

“The last thing you want to do is to request a higher salary and more benefits without doing your research first."

2. Timing is key

Once you know how much you could realistically ask for, set up a meeting with your boss.

Ms Bunting and Mr Di-Toro say that although you can ask for a pay rise at any time, some moments are better than others, such as a performance review or the end of the calendar or financial year - but you should avoid asking too often.

“Don’t ask more than once a year as you’ll come across as unrealistic, if not unreasonable in your boss’ eyes,” Ms Bunting added.

"In terms of times of the day, afternoons are generally better as the stress of the morning will have disappeared."

3. Prepare your case

The stronger the case you can present, the better chance you’re giving yourself of getting what you want, the experts say.

“Make sure you put together some examples of why you deserve a raise - it’s no good going in there unarmed,” said Mr Biggins.

“Make a strong case for why you deserve a pay rise, outlining your responsibilities and how these contribute to the overall success of the business.”

This also includes any recent achievements or additional training, qualifications or skills you’ve gained, Ms Bunting said.

Remember to bring up the research you’ve done, especially if it shows you’re being paid less than others in similar jobs being advertised at the moment.

Last but not least, “don’t forget to mention soft skills (attitude, teamwork, good time keeping etc.) as these can be crucial in helping your boss to see why you are worth the extra money and makes it easier for them to imagine you in a more senior role,” Ms Bunting added.

4. Be clear and specific

Apart from making a strong case, you also need to be clear with your wish to discuss your salary, Mr Di-Toro said.

“If you’re not clear, how is your manager to supposed to know what you want?” he asked.

It’s also important to be as detailed and specific as possible.

Highlight the salary you want and specifically outline exactly how you came to that conclusion.

“This is when you show your boss all the prep work you’ve done getting to this point,” Mr Di-Toro said.

5. Remember to stay confident

All three experts mentioned that confidence is also key when negotiating a pay rise.

In fact, “an employer won’t give you a pay rise if you can’t articulate a confident argument for it,” said Mr Di-Toro.

Meanwhile, Ms Bunting gave a few tips of how you can act during the meeting to come across as confident, even if you’re nervous.

“Make sure to sit up straight, make eye contact with your boss and don’t fidget,” she said.

“Confidence is key, so speak slowly and deliberately, and use hand gestures to reinforce your points if this is your natural cycle.

“Don't giggle nervously or allow your gaze to wander round the room or cover your mouth while speaking – these are all suggestions that you are uncomfortable or insecure about what you’re asking,” Ms Bunting added.

6. Express enthusiasm

It’s always important to show excitement about working for the company and achieving future goals, but especially in a salary discussion, Mr Di-Toro said.

If you only focus on the salary, you’ll come across as you only care about the money.

7. Aim high

As with any negotiation, always ask for more than you expect to get, but make sure you don't go in ridiculously high or you may end up being seen as naive or overly demanding, Ms Bunting said.

Let them know you're willing to take on more responsibility in return for extra money.

Make sure you don’t rush things, but ask to be kept up-to-date with how your request is progressing.

Expect some resistance and be prepared to fight your corner, but don't overdo it, Ms Bunting added.

8. Don’t forget about additional perks

Okay, you may not get the exact figure that you hoped for, so be a bit more creative with your ask.

Instead of just focusing on the salary, keep other job perks in mind, such as health benefits, more equity or the opportunity to work remotely, Mr Di-Toro said.

These can also include additional benefits such as a company car or an increased employer’s contribution to your pension scheme or even flexible hours and extra days’ holiday, Ms Bunting said.

9. Get a new job

If your boss rejects your request, and you believe you’re underpaid, it might be time to look for a job elsewhere.