How to ask for a raise

Knowing How to Ask for a Raise is Key

One of the most common questions employees have is how to ask for a raise. It can bring up feelings of uncertainty and fear. However, it never hurts to ask for a wage or salary increase if you feel you deserve it and especially if performance reviews or increases are not conducted routinely. You need to make sure you are prepared before you enter into a meeting with your boss about a raise, as your boss will probably be prepared for discussions and may have questions for you.

Make sure the timing is right

The first thing you want to consider before setting up that meeting with your boss, is the timing of your request. If your employer recently had a lay-off, now is probably not the right time to ask for an increase. If the company is looking to cut costs, your job may be under review as well, so you may want to wait before asking for a raise.

Share your strengths

If you confidently feel that you deserve a pay increase, try to start by sharing your worth to your employer. Knowing how to ask for a raise properly is key! Obviously, businesses judge much of their progress in numbers and revenue. If you can share with your employer how you have helped increase sales or perhaps how you have saved the company money through your efforts and equate that information into dollars, it will make for an easy conversation. Perhaps a number is not a simple way to evaluate your hard work or your worth, then you need to share other efforts and accomplishments you have made within the company. Communicating how you have taken on new responsibilities, managed new projects or exceeded expectations, should also be factored into your discussion.

Discuss your impact

Follow-up your accomplishments by discussing your performance and impact on the company; the reason you feel you deserve the raise. However, do not express to your boss that you need a raise due to a personal reason such as buying a house or expecting a baby. You also do not want to express negativity by stating you know someone in your department makes more than you, or that you haven’t had a raise in a long time. You want to focus on the positive nature of your contributions to the company.

Practice your pitch

Practicing what you are going to say may sound meaningless, however, this will help prepare you to answer any questions your boss may ask you and to address any issues that may arise during the conversation. Rehearsing can provide you with confidence and provide an alternative direction to where a negative discussion may go.

Have a plan ready

Have a plan and goals within the company ready to share. Discuss your future during your meeting and how you will contribute to the success of the company; show that you are fully vested into their future. Talk about what you like about the company and a position or department you would like to pursue in the future.

Ask for feedback

Be prepared to hear “no” to your request. With that answer, do not express anger or defeat, but instead ask for feedback and any recommendations that can help you succeed in your current position. Suggest scheduling a follow-up meeting to review your progress. This will express your commitment to your future and your dedication to the company.