Asking for a raise...

What's all this "we" and "our"? Are you asking for a raise for yourself, or are you forming a labor union?

Salary is not a matter of your advanced degree, nor the tasks you do, That's why they hired you and why they pay you what they do. Focys instead on how much value you add to the organization. on how much revenue you generate, how much in expenses you save.

Have you really been there long enough to merit a raise? Does your organization not have a formal pay grade and evaluation system in place? My company, for example, evaluates each employee annually, and gives COL and merit increases at that time.

Let's cut to the chase:

How long have you been there? What are you doing above and beyond the job that you agreed to do for your current salary?

From your boss's view: we hired you to do {{scope of job}} for $XX,XXX. Why should I pay you $XX,XXX plus $Y? Has the job changed? Has the revenue earned by the organization increased? Has your value to the organization increased above what it was when we hired you?

Don't give me any "We're worth more because we're vital to the organization." Your position was just as vital before you started. Why are you worth more now?

I have to agree with The Bear on this one.  In addition, our organization stays away from any discussion of COLA.  Our salary bands are based on cost of Labor, not living.  If the position can be filled for a certain salary range, then that is what the range is until the next salary survey is completed.  Once it is completed, the salary band is adjusted up or down.  If you fall in the middle, nothing will happen to your individual salary.

Merit increases. IF given, are based on performance to a continuum and then salary within the job range and their should hopefully be alignment.

My question would be, did you ask about the merit increase or lack of during the review cycle?  If so, what has changed to the extent that you feel a new discussion is warranted?

Good luck with your discussion and stay focused on what you bring to the table.

 edited to fix typing errors

there is something to this but i am not sure there actually is a private sector for her jobs. if I remember right she works in museums and antiquities cataloging and arranging etc. most if not all of that work I imagine is done through public/non profit companies. I am in a similar boat with my company (not the "no raise" thing though) in that I work for a non profit. however my field does have private companies. If I could find a similar job to what I do know in the private sector they would probably make 10-15% more than I do but I love my job, even though it is emotionally and mentally draining and to find a similar position I would have to move somewhere else in the country. 

I would say follow bears advice - if you want to bring it up, get a copy of your job description from when you were hired, and point out everything you do now and that you do well, which is NOT included on that description. If you can show that clearly you will be able to put in a good argument at least. good luck if you decide to go through with it!

Boss has good radar

One of my favorite intro's is "What has to happen ..."

What has to happen for me to realize a pay increase?

What has to happen for you to increase my pay?

What has to happen for the organization to realize I merit a pay increase and act accordingly?

Or variations thereof.

It's always about the framework. If you put it in those terms, it's called an assumptive close. The issue of whether a raise can happen is assumed; that merely leaves the question of HOW it will happen.

It also changes the request from a close-ended question (Yes/No to your raise request) to an open ended question (How/When/Give me the plan). Open ended questions are less confrontational and could put your supervisor into strategic planning mode vs You against Me mode.

And if your boss senses your tentativeness or weakness of will, your cause is lost. You're going to have to buck up. It isn't personal. It's business. Be friendly but business-like.

BTW, I negotiate salaries for a living. I know whereof I speak when it comes to money and negotiating. First one to blink loses.

You're welcome.