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Sign Up NowWant to ask for a salary increase? We understand if you feel unsure about it. Pay discussions are one of the things most people dislike the most.
According to a survey by a career growth institute, 56% of people have never asked for a raise, and 49% of new employees accept the first offer they receive without trying to negotiate.
A lot of people do not feel comfortable speaking with their manager. But the truth is, it may be easier now than ever before. So, if you feel ready, it may be time to gather your confidence and speak up for what you want.
In any case, it helps to prepare before you walk into the office. To do well, you need to think through every part of salary negotiations, from how much you should ask for to the best time to bring it up.
First, do not ramble. Be direct, and do not circle around the point. If you want to talk about a raise, you should say it clearly and openly.
Example:
“I’d like to talk about adjusting my salary so it better matches my new skills and the contribution I make to the team.”
It is best to set up a meeting with a clear purpose. Send a calendar invite or an email that says something like “I’m hoping we can sit down, and I’d like to make the case to you for revisiting my salary.”
Avoid giving ultimatums. They usually do not help.
Example:
“I’m hoping to have a salary increase in place by April 20th; otherwise, I may need to reconsider my future here.”
Trying to pressure your employer is almost like hurting your own chances. And if you want a better result, you need a better approach.
Try to treat the conversation as a shared discussion instead. Keep your employer involved. Show that you care about the company and that you value your job.
After all, it is a real chance to agree on a pay package that works for both sides. And the last thing you want is to lose that chance, right?
Do not complain. Negative wording and sounding bitter usually make things worse, not better. You need to present facts and use clear reasons to support your case.
Also, do not use personal life issues as the reason you want a raise. Instead, point to your own achievements and strong performance.
Example:
“I’ve managed two very successful projects, and my responsibilities have increased significantly.”
The right timing can decide whether you get rewarded or not. Salary increases are often approved only once a year, and the discussion usually needs to happen before that process begins.
At the same time, timing also depends on the state of the economy and how much demand there is for workers in your field. Fast-moving industries like finance and tech are often more open to raises.
In general, there are only two situations where you may be able to get a salary increase more often:
Before you decide how much of a raise to ask for, do some research first. If your company gives annual raises, you probably already have an idea of the usual budget.
For yearly increases, many companies set aside 5% or less. Asking for too much can come across as unrealistic or out of touch, but pushing a little beyond that by 1-2% may still work, especially if you performed very well during the year.
Do you already know how much extra pay you want to request? It can help to look around and find out what others in similar roles earn so you can make a fair request.
Example:
“Based on my research, the average pay for customer service specialists in our area is around 12% above my current salary.”
If that does not work, websites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and PayScale are a useful place to begin. They can help you understand what employers are paying people with qualifications similar to yours.
These websites give you a solid starting point for salary ranges in your field and local area. But do not let them fully limit your thinking. If you believe you are worth more, you should still feel free to ask for more.
One thing people often overlook is that companies and organizations work as teams. Your individual value matters, but your role within the team matters just as much.
If your coworkers like working with you, that is a strong benefit for the company and something every manager should recognize. But if you want the raise you deserve, you may need to ask them to support you.
Having senior coworkers speak positively about your work can make a big difference in salary discussions. Find a few trusted people in your workplace who know your value and would be happy to speak up for you.
Here is a smart move. Keep a notes file where you track your achievements during the year. Write down the praise you receive, hard tasks you handled well, and new projects you took on.
When it is time for the discussion, you will already have your best points ready. There is probably a lot you have done that your boss does not fully know about. Speak confidently about your work. Make it clear that you are doing more than what is expected.
Example:
“As my last three quarterly reviews show, I’ve maintained strong performance consistently over the past nine months.”
Use clear examples to show how you have done more than your basic job duties. These may include:
Keep in mind this is a work discussion, and your aim is to show your boss why you deserve better pay. Ask yourself the following questions to help build solid reasons for why a raise makes sense:
Numbers matter. They support your points and can improve your chances. Go into the discussion with clear examples of what you’ve contributed. Write down anything you can measure, such as:
A lot of people don’t notice it, but we send many signals through body language when we speak. We show our feelings without meaning to through gestures, posture, or facial expressions.
What you definitely don’t want during salary talks is to look anxious or unsure. Your boss doesn’t need to be an expert to notice those quiet signals.
Your body can reveal more than you intend. It’s usually easy to tell when someone is defensive, upset, or even pretending.
To stay calm and still sound convincing, speak at a steady pace and keep natural eye contact. This can help in any moment when you need to make a strong first impression, such as a date or a job interview.
When you’re ready to discuss salary, you can try one of these two methods:
Yes, the second option can sometimes work in your favor. In the best case, your manager may mention a number that’s higher than what you had in mind.
But there’s also a chance the offer may be lower than expected. If that happens, be honest about the amount you had hoped for and suggest meeting somewhere in the middle.
Once you’ve explained your position and put everything on the table, allow your manager time to answer. Quiet pauses and open-ended questions can show respect during the conversation.
Stay away from harsh statements or arguing with your employer. Ask for feedback or thoughts instead.
Example:
“I’ve been considering how my growing workload could be reflected in my salary. I’d value your thoughts on that.”
A salary increase is not the only thing you can talk about. If your manager won’t reward your work with more money, think about benefits like extra leave or better flexibility that you could request instead.
Set your priorities and decide which perks you would accept in place of a higher salary.
Could you work from home once a week, or get five extra vacation days each year? If none of that is possible, maybe your manager can at least pay for your gym membership!
Of course, rejection is never easy, but don’t let it upset you. Expect that it may happen and respond with something like, ‘What would I need to do to earn a raise later on?’
If your manager avoids giving you a fair answer, that may be a sign it’s not going to happen at all. And that might be the push you need to start searching for a different job. Hooray!
Make sure that anything you agree on is written down. If your manager tells you to bring it up again in six months, mention that in a follow-up email.
Example:
“Thank you for meeting with me and sharing your thoughts; I appreciate your suggestion to revisit the salary discussion in six months.”
A salary negotiation email gives you a written record, at the very least. And that can be very useful later when you decide to bring up salary discussions again.
In business, good manners often decide whether things go well or not. During the discussion, stay professional by showing respect and thanking the person you’re speaking with.
Example:
“Thank you for making time to meet with me today!”
Take it one step further and remain polite even if you don’t get the result you wanted. Managers are often more open to employees who treat them with respect. And you never know when you may need to speak with the same person again.
There aren’t many things’ people enjoy less than asking for a pay rise. It’s one of those business skills many people ignore for too long, even though it can make a real difference.
Use these 17 tips to focus on the points that can really help when speaking to your boss. Good preparation will help you get through the conversation and improve your chances of getting the raise you want.
Having a clear goal and a smart plan for salary talks is what gives you the best chance of success. No one is going to offer you more money just because you believe you deserve it.
Because if you want something, you usually have to go after it yourself.
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