How should I ask my boss for a raise ?
 

Hey,

(If you're wondering why I'm exactly asking this, I'm an 18 yr old working at the local movie theater owned by the big corporate chain, part-time, about 5-15 hrs/week)

I'm really wondering how should I approach the boss for a raise.
I've worked there since 0ct. 2003; during my interview, the second-in-line [the one right below the big boss] who interviewed me, said that employees receive a raise after working there for one year (I'm at mininum wage right now). Well, it's been 2 months since then, and they haven't just given to me [I figure they wouldn't.].
A couple of my other co-workers said that you have to ask them yourself; then it goes under a brief consideration period [of a couple weeks] and then it has to go through the main corp. office, and about 6-10 weeks later; you get your raise of 50 cents/hour.

However, my work isn't afraid to dick around, such that one of the co-workers hasn't received his yet, even working there for about 18 months, since he isn't on good terms which the second-in-line [who does all the employee payroll]
[AFAIK, he didn't do anything significantly determental that would prevent him from getting a raise]. [though he doesn't work as much, only on weekends]

Pretty much, I'm wondering - should I be forceful and politely ask if they don't give me one, I'll put in my two weeks notice :D
Not say anything at all;
go to their office and politely ask for one, mentioning I worked there for the 15 months ?

Threatening doesn't do anything except give you a bad reference.

If you think you deserve a raise, explain your reasons why you deserve one. Prove your attendence record, why you go above and beyond, any procedural changes you might have made that save the company money, etc. Basically why you are a valued asset to the company and deserve a raise.

Tell your boss that you would like to sit down at a mutually convenient time, that you have been with the company for a year, and you'd like to discuss how the company thinks you are doing.

Generally with a raise comes a performance review, maybe your boss hasn't had time to do it yet. But basically the performance review is where you can defend your position in the company.

I would do my best to present myself as being very beneficial to the company. Let them know that you were told about getting a raise after 1 year and he/she should understand your concern. Do it in a nice and humble manner....

Whatever you do, do not threaten to quit! They could easily hire someone else.

Politely tell them what you were told before you were hired.

Maybe after working there for one year the employees can get a raise, not necessarily will get one. Maybe once that year is up they begin to consider you. If this is the case (and it probably is) then just asking for one because it's been more than a year won't do it, like the others have said, you have to convince them that you're more valuable to them than the next guy. They probably allow raises after a year because they're making an investment in you by training you and they want people to stick aorund.

Anyway, I guess just let your boss know that you've been doing well. Don't start threatening until all the other options are gone. Maleficient's advice is good.

explain to them why you deserve it. sell your case.

Ask, don't threaten. Make your case politely and logically...and start looking for another job. Minimum wage? I don't know what Cleveland is like, but out here you can get $10/hr flipping burgers.

I'd go at it from another angle. Ask the manager (or person holding the pursestrings) what else you can do. Say you'd like more responsibility and a chance to earn more.

Can you start checking for apartments in the area for me to rent? ;)

I believe the Japanese saying is "the crooked nail gets pounded down." Recognize that you are but a cog in the machine and that your economic well-being is entirely dependent on the whims of the man. If you ask questions of your superiors or make a fuss you will be annihilated.

A better course of action would be to take up smoking, and a year from now quit. Think of all the money you'll be saving then! It'll be just like a raise!

I beleave that if you feel you are doing a good job you should have a clear conscience when asking for a raise. BE presistant. a good manager will not fire a good worker for asking for a raise, the lazy guy on the other hand when he asks for a raise it can be a good excuse to fire them. Just ask, it is not a big deal. So present your case and ask more then once, politely/

thanks for the info everybody !

I'll be going to work later, and during any downtime, I'll approach the manager to make an appointment for a performance review.

I have to agree with what everyone else says. As a part time manager at your local high-speed cholesterol distribution center, I always advise my employees NOT to give the upper-ups an ultimatum when asking for a raise or promotion. The best way to not get a raise is to give your boss an "or else"

Like everyone else said, have a good solid argument for why you deserve the raise, and don't be afraid to be blunt. Say flat out "I think I deserve a raise." Don't beat around the bush, that will get you nowhere. If you go in saying you think you've done a really good job and say why, but don't say you want a raise, he (or she) isn't going to offer you the raise after hearing this.

Good Luck