How to Ask for a Raise—And Get Paid What You Deserve

Nov 28

How to Ask for a Raise—And Get Paid What You Deserve

Learn the Best Strategies to Prepare for Your Raise Request, Communicate Your Value, and Negotiate a Higher Salary Successfully

If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering if it’s time to ask for a raise—or maybe you already know you deserve one but aren’t sure how to ask. Asking for a raise can be one of the most intimidating and nerve-wracking experiences in your career. But it doesn’t have to be.

The truth is, asking for a raise doesn’t just come down to what you do or say in that one meeting. It’s about preparation, confidence, and knowing your worth. If you are doing a great job and contributing to your company’s success, you absolutely deserve to be compensated accordingly. The first step is to recognize that you deserve it and to walk in with the confidence that you’ve earned the increase. Let’s dive into exactly how you can do this.

The Importance of Knowing Your Worth

The FIRST thing you need to do before you ask for a raise is… don’t doubt that you deserve it! When you genuinely believe your time and worth deserve a little extra financial love, you better believe you will get it.

I’m serious. When you approach the conversation with confidence and clarity about your value, your employer will sense that energy. People can often tell when you believe in what you’re asking for and when you don’t. So, you need to truly understand your worth and own it. If you feel unsure, it’s time to reflect on all the ways you’ve contributed to your team or company.

No, I’m not talking about the manifestation thing here (although I love everything to do with manifestation). I’m talking about having confidence in knowing why you deserve a pay increase. Walk into that meeting with the facts and clarity on how much you’ve grown and how valuable your work is.

Step 1: Recognize It’s Normal to Ask for a Raise

Second: Understand that it’s completely normal to ask for a raise at certain points in your career. In fact, your boss is probably waiting for it! When you’ve been in your role for a while, your employer likely expects you to ask for more money. They may have been watching and preparing for this moment, so don’t be afraid to ask. It’s part of the career progression process. If you’re working hard and adding value to the company, it’s natural that you’ll eventually want to get paid more.

Employers typically have a budget for raises, and they want to reward employees who contribute positively to the company’s success. So don’t shy away from asking—just do it with confidence and well-prepared evidence.

Step 2: Do Your Research

Before you even step into your boss’s office, it’s essential to do your homework. This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people ask for raises without knowing what others in their field are earning. To get the raise you deserve, you need to know exactly what salary is competitive for your role and experience level.

Start by researching salary ranges for your position in your geographic area. Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn Salary are excellent resources for getting this information. Be sure to look at a variety of sources to get a more accurate understanding of where your salary stands in comparison to the industry.

Also, consider speaking with trusted colleagues in similar positions (if you feel comfortable doing so) to get an idea of where they stand in terms of compensation.

If you’re still unsure about the right amount to ask for, it’s okay to seek professional help. Career coaches and financial experts can give you additional insight into your salary expectations.

Step 3: Choose the Right Time to Ask

When it comes to timing, it’s not just about picking a random day and asking for a raise. The timing of your request is just as important as your research and preparation. You want to choose a time when your employer is most likely to be in a good mood and receptive to your request.

For instance, don’t walk into your boss’s office right before a big project deadline or during a stressful time for the company. Similarly, don’t ask for a raise if your company has just gone through a tough financial period. Instead, wait for a moment when things are running smoothly, and your achievements are fresh in everyone’s mind.

You should also consider the company’s annual budget cycle. Many organizations allocate a certain budget for raises at specific points in the year, and knowing this can help you plan your conversation for the most opportune time.

Step 4: Build Your Case

Now that you’ve done your research and have a sense of timing, it’s time to build your case. This is the most critical part of the process. To increase your chances of success, you need to provide specific, compelling reasons why you deserve a raise.

When you enter the meeting, don’t just tell your employer you’re doing a great job. Instead, present evidence of your accomplishments. List out the ways you’ve contributed to the company, especially how your work has led to improvements in the organization.

Focus on tangible results such as:

Increased revenue
Cost savings
Process improvements
Client satisfaction and retention
Successful projects

You should also be prepared to explain how your work fits into the bigger picture of the company’s goals. Showing how your contributions are aligned with company success will reinforce your case for a pay increase.

In addition to tangible achievements, it’s important to highlight any additional skills or responsibilities you’ve taken on. If you’ve completed any certifications, attended relevant conferences, or taken on leadership roles, make sure to include these as well.

Step 5: Be Specific with Your Request

It’s not enough to just say you deserve more money. You need to be specific about the amount you are asking for. Do your research and have a solid number in mind.

While you may want to ask for a percentage increase (e.g., a 10% raise), be sure to have a concrete figure in mind based on your research. You should also be prepared to discuss how the increase would be beneficial to both you and your employer. For example, a higher salary could incentivize you to work even harder, leading to even more value for the company.

In some cases, your employer might be open to offering more than what you asked for. Be sure to ask for what you feel is fair, but also be open to negotiation if they suggest an alternative.

Step 6: What’s In It for Your Boss?

You may be thinking, “Of course, it’s all about me getting paid more!” And while that’s true, don’t forget to also consider how your raise benefits your employer.

When asking for a raise, you should be able to show your employer how your contributions have made a difference. Think about how your skills, attitude, and work ethic have helped improve the business. When you ask for a raise, you’re not just asking for more money—you're also reminding your boss how much value you bring to the team.

Be sure to frame your request in a way that’s mutually beneficial. For example, if you ask for a raise, let your employer know that this will inspire you to keep working hard and contributing to the company’s success.

Step 7: Be Ready for “No” and Have a Plan B

Sometimes, the answer might not be a “yes” right away—and that’s okay. It’s essential to be prepared for rejection and to know how you will respond.

If you’re told that now is not the right time, don’t get discouraged. Instead, ask for feedback. Ask your employer what you need to do to make the raise a reality in the future. Perhaps there are specific goals you need to hit, or certain improvements you need to make.

Ask about timelines, and make sure to follow up after a few months. If you keep showing your value, the raise will come. Keep the conversation open, and don’t let the setback discourage you.

Step 8: Stay Professional and Gracious

Regardless of the outcome, always remain professional and gracious. Thank your employer for their time and consideration, and continue to deliver excellent work. By staying respectful and professional, you ensure that you remain in a good position for future salary discussions.

In Conclusion: Know Your Worth and Make Your Case

Asking for a raise can feel like a big step, but when you’re prepared, confident, and clear about your contributions, you can set yourself up for success. Remember that it’s not just about asking—it’s about showing your value and reinforcing why you deserve the raise.

To maximize your chances, do your research, choose the right time, and be ready with specific examples of your work. And if the answer is “no” this time, don’t give up! Use it as an opportunity to improve and continue growing in your role. Keep the conversation going, and the raise will eventually come.

Good luck with your raise request! You've got this!

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Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial, or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation. The Financial Confidence Coach is not liable for actions taken based on this information.