How to Ask for a Raise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Paid More
Learn the proven strategies for asking for a raise at work. Step-by-step guide covering timing, preparation, and negotiation tactics for salary increases.
Asking for a raise is one of the most important conversations you will have in your career, yet many professionals avoid it out of discomfort or uncertainty. With the right preparation and approach, you can advocate for your compensation confidently and effectively.
Timing is crucial when asking for a raise. The best times to make your case include during performance reviews, after completing a major project successfully, when you have taken on significant new responsibilities, or when market data clearly shows you are below the compensation range for your role.
Build a compelling case based on data, not emotions. Document your key achievements, the revenue or savings you have generated, positive feedback from colleagues and clients, and any additional responsibilities you have assumed since your last compensation adjustment. Quantify your impact wherever possible.
Research market compensation data to support your request. Understand the salary range for your role, experience level, and location. Presenting external data alongside your internal contributions creates a powerful argument that is difficult for your manager to dismiss.
Practice the conversation before having it. The words you use and how you deliver them matter significantly. Be direct, professional, and positive. Avoid ultimatums or comparing yourself to colleagues. Frame your request as a reflection of the value you bring to the organization and your desire to grow within it.
If your manager cannot approve a raise immediately, ask about a timeline for revisiting the conversation and what specific goals or milestones would support a future increase. This shows flexibility while keeping the door open for a positive outcome.