Welcome to Career Insider. According to CNBC, more than half of women around the world have never asked for a raise. Among those who have, nearly 75% received a pay increase.

Think about that math for a minute.

Nearly three in four women who asked for a raise got it, according to the study.

Man or woman, if you’re ready to ask for a raise, there are three critical things you need to include to boost your chances of getting the yes.

_{*Source: CNBC}

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MONEY
Three things you need to include in your ask

Getting ready to ask your boss for a raise? Don't wing it. Career experts say you need to include three critical things in your argument for more money.

When asking for a raise, it's important to present a well-structured argument that clearly demonstrates your value to the organization. It shows that you’re serious, and this can make a big difference to getting the “yes” at your employer.

Here are the three most important elements to include:

1. Achievements and Contributions:

   • Highlight specific accomplishments and contributions that have positively impacted the company. Use quantifiable metrics where possible, such as increased sales, improved efficiency, or successful project completions. This demonstrates your value and justifies why you deserve a raise.
     

2. Market Research:

   • Provide evidence of your current market value by researching industry standards for your role and experience level. This can include salary surveys, industry reports, or data from job postings. Showing that your request aligns with market rates strengthens your case.
     

3. Increased Responsibilities:

   • Outline any additional responsibilities or roles you have taken on since your last salary review. This could include leading new projects, managing additional team members, or acquiring new skills that benefit the company. Demonstrating growth in your role supports your request for increased compensation.

Cool, but how can you put these three things into practice?

_{Here’s a sample of what you might say
during your meeting with your boss:}

"Hi [Boss's Name], thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I wanted to discuss my current role and compensation, as I believe my contributions and responsibilities have grown significantly since my last review."

Achievements and Contributions: "Over the past [time period], I've successfully [mention specific achievements]. For example, I [describe a specific project or task], which resulted in [quantifiable outcome, such as increased revenue, cost savings, improved efficiency]. Additionally, I have consistently met or exceeded my performance goals, as evidenced by [mention any relevant performance metrics or feedback]."

Market Research: "I've also taken the time to research current market trends for my role. According to [mention source, such as industry reports or salary surveys], the average salary for someone with my experience and responsibilities is [mention figure]. This data suggests that there is a gap between my current compensation and the market rate."

Increased Responsibilities: "Since my last salary review, I've taken on additional responsibilities, such as [mention specific new tasks or roles]. For instance, I have been leading [mention project or team], which has required [mention skills or efforts]. These additional duties have allowed me to contribute even more to our team's success."

Conclusion: "Given my achievements, the market data, and the increased responsibilities I've taken on, I believe a salary adjustment is warranted. I am committed to continuing to deliver high-quality work and contribute to our team's success. I would appreciate your consideration of my request and am open to discussing this further."

Closing: "Thank you again for your time and for considering my request. I look forward to your feedback and to continuing to grow with the company."

Remember: You don’t want a raise. You deserve a raise. When raise requests are backed by evidence, they stand a much greater chance of being approved.

SKILLS
Four ideas to boost your skills in two days

Weekends are a time to relax and spend time with your family. They can also be great opportunities to set your future self up for a lot more success.

Improving your skills over the weekend can be both productive and enjoyable. Here are four suggestions that can help you make the most of your time:

1. Online Courses or Tutorials:

   • Choose a topic or skill you want to improve and find an online course or tutorial. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Khan Academy offer a wide range of subjects. Whether it's coding, graphic design, or a new language, dedicating a few hours to structured learning can be very beneficial.
     

2. Read Books or Articles:

   • Pick up a book or read articles related to your field of interest. This could be a technical book, a biography of someone you admire, or articles on recent trends in your industry. Reading not only improves your knowledge but also enhances your critical thinking and comprehension skills.
     

3. Practice and Apply Skills:

   • Spend time practicing what you've learned. If you're learning a new programming language, work on a small project. If you're improving your writing skills, start a blog or write an article. Applying what you learn helps reinforce your knowledge and build confidence.
     

4. Join a Community or Group:

   • Engage with a community related to your interest. This could be an online forum, a local meetup, or a study group. Sharing knowledge, asking questions, and networking with others can provide new insights and keep you motivated.

By focusing on these activities, you can make significant progress in your skill development over the weekend.

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NEWS
Things are changing rapidly, and will probably continue

The employment scene is evolving, influenced heavily by tech advancements, economic shifts, and changing work preferences.

But what does all that mean for…you know, us?

The Remote Work Conundrum

Remote work, once a necessity during the pandemic, has become a hot topic in 2024. According to a recent Forbes article, approximately 26% of companies have increased their return-to-office (RTO) days this year, with some planning to require employees to be in the office five days a week by 2025.

This shift is causing a stir among employees who have grown accustomed to the flexibility of remote work. However, not all is lost for remote work enthusiasts. Companies like Vaco, Cigna Group, and Pinterest continue to offer fully remote positions, catering to those who prioritize work-life balance and flexibility.

The demand for remote work has reshaped the definition of a "dream employer." It's no longer just about brand prestige; it's about aligning with an employer that values flexibility and supports career growth.

This shift is evident as more job seekers prioritize companies that offer remote work options and a supportive work culture.

The September Surge: A Blip or a Boom?

Traditionally, September is known for a hiring surge as companies ramp up operations post-summer. However, this year, the so-called "September Surge" might be more of a blip.

Fast Company reports that the surge is less significant this year, with certain industries experiencing slower growth. This slowdown is partly due to economic uncertainties and cautious spending by businesses.

Despite this, the U.S. job market is still expected to add a significant number of jobs. Business Insider notes that the U.S. could add as many as 300,000 jobs in September, driven by sectors like healthcare, leisure, and construction.

This growth is a beacon of hope for job seekers, especially those looking to enter or transition within these thriving industries.

The Confusing State of the Job Market

The current job market is a mixed bag, with conflicting signals about its health. NPR highlights four key aspects of this confusion: fluctuating unemployment rates, varying job growth across sectors, the impact of inflation, and the Federal Reserve's monetary policies.

These factors create a complex environment for both job seekers and employers, requiring careful navigation and strategic planning.

For job seekers, this means staying informed and adaptable. Understanding which industries are growing and which skills are in demand can provide a competitive edge.

For employers, it involves balancing workforce needs with economic realities, ensuring they attract and retain top talent in a competitive market.

JOBS
Looking for remote work? Here you go!