Raise the Stakes

Bob Weinstein is a journalist who covers technology, project management, the workplace and career development.

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Topics: Career Development

Thinking about asking for a raise? This is the time to build a case for yourself, and muster the courage to confidently strut into your boss’s office and ask for one. Like they say, timing is everything, and this New Year period is an ideal time to make your move. And in a rebounding economy, chances of capturing one are excellent.

And if you’re in a high-powered technical field--where the demand for many skills far outweighs the supply of qualified candidates--chances of capturing a sizable raise are excellent. Another factor working in your favor is that many high-demand techies wait until they get their year-end bonuses before taking new jobs. Simple logic says employers will go out of their way to hold onto high-value talent.

Put it all together and you have an ideal scenario for making a good case for asking for a raise--if you go about it strategically. A major career faux pas is arrogantly stalking into your boss’s office and demanding a raise. If you care about your job and career, carefully plan your strategy so you’re making a solid case for yourself.

The good news is that regardless of the state of the economy, the job market for experienced project managers changes little year to year. It was excellent five years ago, it’s even better now. In fact, the demand for most IT specialists is excellent.

Bigger price tag on …

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