In some case, if you want a higher paying job, you can ask for a raise. If you have worked for an employer for a decent amount of time, and can make a good case for yourself, asking for a raise might be the thing to do. You will make a little more money, and you can meet some of your budget goals.

However, it is important to note that, even though it’s very important to you to meet specific financial goals, your employer isn’t as worried about what you consider “needs.” Using your current financial situation and your hopes and dreams for the future as reasons that your “deserve” a raise are likely to get you nowhere fast.

Your Personal Financial Needs Are Your Own

Going in to a meeting and asking for a raise because you want to pay off debt, or you “need” the money to help you pay for the commute, isn’t going to help you much. Asking for a raise because you want to prepare for economic uncertainty doesn’t earn you any points, either. In fact, focusing on how your raise will make your life better is a good way to end the interview early — without a raise.

Instead, understand that your personal financial needs are your own. Your employer is paying you because, presumably, you are an asset to the company. This is what you need to focus on. You need to demonstrate that you have been a good asset, and that you will continue to be a good asset. You need to show your value. This isn’t about deserving a raise; it’s about earning your raise.

Some of the things to focus on as you make your case for a raise include:

• Your skills and experience
• Your past successes, and how they have helped the company
• Your ability to focus and get the job done
• Additional responsibilities you might have taken on recently
• How you can improve the bottom line for the company
• What you have already done to improve the bottom line for the company

Whenever you ask for a raise, you need to make sure you can back up your assertion that you have earned it with facts. You need to be able to show your employer that you are valuable, and that you will continue to be so. Your personal needs and desires don’t come into it. Your employer, while he or she might like you as a person, cares more about making sure the company is in a good place.

Bottom Line

Whenever you ask for a raise (or even during salary negotiations at a new job), you need to focus on what value you bring to the employer. Don’t bring up personal problems and issues, and how a better salary will put you on track to reach your financial goals. Instead, demonstrate how your skills and experience will benefit the company, and show your employer how valuable you are. If you can prove that you are worth it, you have a better chance and getting more money.

Increasing your salary is a great way to add to your income. Last week we talked about how to get a raise even if your boss doesn’t like you.

If you have worked hard, improved the business, demonstrated value and helped your coworkers then you are ready to ask for a raise. But what happens when your boss says no? I recommend that you keep asking but eventually you will recognize that you won’t get promoted. It might be time to move on. If you can’t get a raise at your current job then the next best way to increase your salary is to find a new job.

Before you look for a new job it’s important to factor in all of your current benefits. Opportunity and experience are two non monetary factors you should consider. Also consider your current health benefits, tuition/training reimbursement, 401k matching, revenue sharing and stock purchase programs. If any of those benefits are above average at your current job you need to keep them in mind when you start thinking about how much more you want to make at your new job.

For example if your current job has a 6% 401k match program and your new job has a 2% match program and offers you a 4% raise then you aren’t gaining much by changing jobs.

The best time to find a new job is when you already have one so relax, you are in a great position. You have less stress and more leverage than those that are unemployed. You also have access to a large network of resources.

How To Find A Higher Paying Job

Know the Market
Before you head off to your first interview you need to know what you’re worth. If you only have 2 years of experience you won’t be first in line for the job paying $100k a year. Use a salary estimator tool to help you get your expectations in line. You can use refer to online magazines and surveys to help you get a solid picture of the market.

Use your network
Everyone knows its not what you know but who you know. Start putting the word out that you are looking for a new job. You don’t have to tell everyone that you are looking to make more money. If you are underpaid then you won’t have a hard time negotiating a higher salary at a new company.

Do the basics
Search and apply. Use every tool you can to find job openings. Put together a solid cover letter than is unique to the job you are applying for. Have someone in your field review your resume.

Negotiate hard
Be ready to talk about your salary at your first interview. It may not come up, but if it does you want to set the tone with a range. Be careful not to make it sound like the only reason you are looking for a new job is to get a raise.

In today’s job market, first-time job seekers such as college graduates are finding it difficult to land a job never mind a well-paying job. However, the market is seeing an upswing – national unemployment is dropping, and companies are starting to take on new hires again. In this time, it’s important for job-seekers, especially first-time job seekers, to properly negotiate their salaries. Being prepared to negotiate may be the difference between settling for a job position and living comfortably with your salary.

Be prepared to negotiate

While you may feel that haggling will diminish your chances of getting the job, the reality is that many employers expect you to negotiate. One trick is to realize that this is all business: if you act hesitant or apologetic for negotiating, your employer will not take you seriously and will have an easy time maintaining the salary quote. Also, negotiate with sounds reasons as to why you deserve the higher salary. Mention what kinds of unique skills and experiences you can bring to the table.

Know what a realistic salary is

Do a good deal of research beforehand. Search online estimators, like salary.com, to see what sort of paycheck you can expect. Be sure to take advantage of search by zip code function on salary.com to adjust the average salary for your area.

Start high

This is simple and intuitive: if you ask for a low salary, that’s exactly what you’ll get. When negotiating, be sure to start on the higher end of the estimate or average. Of course, be reasonable with your starting salary request. Once you have an idea of what you expect to be paid, you can be confident with your number.

Don’t be afraid to say no or stick to your guns

Often times, first-time job seekers are quick to back down because they’re afraid that sticking to their higher salary request will result in not getting the job. This is not always true. Generally, fair employers have respect for interviewees who negotiate reasonably and do not sway from what they believe to be fair.

Cash is king.

Sure, extra benefits like extra vacation days or benefits seem nice, but when negotiating for a salary, remember to place emphasis on the actual salary amount. Don’t settle for non-cash perks unless the salary you’re seeking is absolutely non-negotiable.

Negotiating your first salary may be intimidating, but doing some research and going into a job interview prepared to negotiate can get you the job and the salary you’re looking for.