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Getting a raise is a binary prospect. Either you get it, or you don’t. The bosses say “yes,” or they say “no.”

That makes the situation seem pretty simple. And while “yes” remains an uncomplicated answer, there are many ranges of “no.” The short-term implications of getting turned down for a raise don’t get more elementary: You don’t get the extra money. But the deeper implications of a negative response open up a puzzle box of potential interpretations.

What does it mean? How does it affect your relationship with the company? How about your relationship with your boss? What should you do in response?

Here are some potential reasons you got turned down for that raise, and what that means for you now.

First, Try Asking

In an ideal world, you’d get noticed for your amazing contributions and automatically rewarded accordingly. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world.

Your employer wants to pay you as little as possible. So, if you let them, they’ll keep your salary as low as possible for as long as possible. To get a raise, you have to self-advocate. If you didn’t get that raise, maybe it’s because you didn’t ask.

You Need More Sizzle

You know the expression, “Sell the sizzle, not the steak.” Maybe you’re relying too much on the steak.

Getting a raise involves perceived value more than it does actual value. Often, these are aligned, but there can be a disconnect. That means you might have to do some self-promotion.

Stop short of hiring a marching band and a biplane trailing a banner reading, “Guess who just increased productivity 10 percent!?” But make sure the key people in charge are aware of your contribution.

Timing Is Everything

You might have to push in order to get that raise. But you should use tact when you do so.

Don’t just storm into your boss’s office the moment you feel a raise is justified. You need to pick your moments and work within the system.

Remain vigilant for a good opening. If possible, time the request for shortly after you’ve scored a meaningful success, or as soon as you’re asked to take on additional responsibility. But, at the same time, go through channels and follow the proper procedure. You don’t want to create barriers by making key people in the hierarchy angry.

It’s Not Them, It’s You

Not getting a raise you thought you deserved should spark some self-reflection. It’s possible your performance was not as stellar as you thought it was.

Listen to the feedback you receive. Correct any deficiencies your managers point out. If your performance is lacking, even if it’s just in a very specific area, do what it takes to bring that up to snuff. That way, you’ll be prepared next time a raise is under review.

Not Enough Money

“It’s the thought that counts” works when 10-year-olds give their parents a Christmas present. It doesn’t do much in a business setting. Your employer might really want to give you a raise, but, they suffer from a significant budget restraint. They just can’t afford it.

The good news: It means your inability to score additional salary has nothing to do with you personally. The bad news: It might indicate you need to go elsewhere to maximize your earning potential.

Time to Move On

It’s possible your inability to get a raise signals it’s time to move on to a better opportunity. Whether your managers don’t value your contribution enough or they don’t have sufficient resources to reward it, you might have to look for greener pastures.

If you’re ready to take that step, trying partnering with a staffing firm. A seasoned team of recruiters, like PrideStaff, can put you in the perfect position to have your talents recognized.

Contact PrideStaff Bend today.

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