'Timing is crucial' when negotiating a contract

Employees should pick the right moment to negotiate a pay rise

Employees seeking a pay rise should pick the right moment to enter contract negotiations, according to an expert.

Many staff members may decide to ask for a pay rise when their situation changes and they require more income.

Harvey Mackay, the founder of the MackayMitchell Envelope Company, expressed his belief that workers should enter salary negotiations when their department is performing well.

He told kare11.com: "You wouldn't do it after you lost the Microsoft account, or anything like that. How is your department doing? The timing is key to wait for that."

Mr Mackay also advised employees to be adequately prepared and compile appropriate documents before talks begin.

He claimed staff should maintain record of their successes, such as completing a project or receiving praise, in a paper file.

"That folder [had] better weigh a pound or two when you go in and ask for that raise," he told the news provider.