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    1. Life
    2. Money and Work

    Things To Do Before You Ask For A Pay Rise

    The pay gap between men and women in the financial sector is estimated to be around 40-60 per cent. Find out how to close that gap and get what you're worth, now

    By Marie Claire
    Published 31 August 2010 In Features

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    Things to do before you ask for a payrise - Lifestyle - Marie Claire
    Things to do before you ask for a payrise - Lifestyle - Marie Claire
    (Image credit: Rex Features)
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    The pay gap between men and women in the financial sector is estimated to be around 40-60 per cent. Find out how to close that gap and get what you're worth, now

    Find out how much you're worth

    Get an idea of the market rate for your role by looking at job vacancies for similar positions online or in the papers.

    Find out how much you're worth

    Find out how much you're worth

    Things to do before you ask for a payrise - Lifestyle - Marie Claire
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Get an idea of the market rate for your role by looking at job vacancies for similar positions online or in the papers.

    Discover how much your company pays

    Discover how much your company pays

    Things to do before you ask for a payrise - Lifestyle - Marie Claire
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Approach your HR department for a breakdown of wage categories. If you re concerned, download a form that entitles you to request key information from your employer. Visit equalities.gov.uk.

    Make a stand

    Make a stand

    Things to do before you ask for a payrise - Lifestyle - Marie Claire
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Have you done enough for a pay rise or highlighted things you ve done well? Your argument will have more weight if you can cite specific projects and tasks.

    Believe in yourself

    Believe in yourself

    Things to do before you ask for a payrise - Lifestyle - Marie Claire
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Act as if you deserve more money firm belief in your own worth makes others believe it too.

    Learn to negotiate

    Learn to negotiate

    Things to do before you ask for a payrise - Lifestyle - Marie Claire
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Most women need serious practise at asking for more money. Remember, as long as you ask reasonably, your boss can only say no. Don t moan argue for a rise on the basis of your performance. Don t threaten to resign if you don t mean it.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

    Be one step ahead

    Be one step ahead

    Things to do before you ask for a payrise - Lifestyle - Marie Claire
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    What objections will your boss have if you ask for more money? Anticipate what will be said so that you have a good answer.

    Have a face-to-face

    Have a face-to-face

    Things to do before you ask for a payrise - Lifestyle - Marie Claire
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Ask to speak to your boss in person so you can both understand the situation and agree what can be done to change it.

    Get some support

    Get some support

    Things to do before you ask for a payrise - Lifestyle - Marie Claire
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    If a chat with your boss doesn t work, talk to your female colleagues and gather support. If you feel underpaid or undervalued, chances are others do too. Lodge a complaint together.

    Use the law

    Use the law

    Things to do before you ask for a payrise - Lifestyle - Marie Claire
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    A trade union can help you fight for equal pay. They ll negotiate on your behalf and take legal action if necessary.

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