How to Ask For (and Get) the Raise You Deserve

You work hard. You are a dedicated employee who wants to advance in the company. You excel in your current role, and you are committed to your team. You are an asset to the company. But your salary no longer reflects the value you bring to the company. 

Many of us are better at advocating for others than we are at advocating for ourselves. If the idea of asking for a raise makes your palms sweat, know that you are not alone. This conversation does not come naturally or feel comfortable for most of us. We tend to hesitate or avoid the interaction altogether because we’re uncertain about where to start or how to proceed.  

The key is finding a balance between making your case and not sounding pushy.

Your objective is to have an honest conversation with your manager and show that you deserve an increase in pay. It may help to remember that employers expect their staff to advocate for themselves and ask for a raise when warranted.

There are certain techniques that can make a difference in the outcome, so follow these three steps to get the raise you deserve:

This is an important conversation, so make sure that your manager has time set aside to talk to you and that they know what you want to discuss. Instead of casually asking if they have a minute, schedule an appointment to discuss your compensation. This sets the tone for the interaction and shows that you are serious and professional. To make the appointment, email, direct message, call, or stop by their office and say:

Research salaries and benefits for people who are in your position and work in the same industry. What does the competition pay? What is the industry standard? What are others in your company paid? Is there a standard salary range? What other benefits, such as overtime, vacation days, or mileage reimbursement, might be available to you? Now make a list of your responsibilities, successes, and why you are an asset to the company. Have you taken on more responsibility, increased revenue, or found a way to serve more clients while increasing client satisfaction? Wherever possible, go in with data. For example:

If you cannot explain your added value in numbers, then describe the impact you have had on the company. For example:

Write down the reasons you enjoy your job. It’s nice to talk about the positives and it provides further evidence that you are a dedicated employee. Finally, you may want to review your resume so you can talk about prior positions and the skills you’ve developed over time.  

While it’s critical to do your homework in preparation for the meeting, it is equally important to get yourself in the right state of mind. This part of the preparation process is often overlooked and undervalued, but it is as important as doing your research and knowing what you want to say. 

Think about this: How do you want to come across to your manager? And what do you need to do to accomplish that goal? 

First, write down the main points you want to convey and rehearse, going through the points aloud until you are comfortable talking about yourself and why you deserve a raise. You will come across as knowledgeable, articulate, and capable if you take the time to plan, do your research, and know your material.

Next, picture yourself in the meeting. Visualize the entire conversation, from the moment you walk into your manager’s office or log in to Zoom to getting the raise you want.

As you practice, notice your posture. To exude confidence, you’ll want to sit or stand up straight, pull your shoulders back, and open your chest. Check your posture in the mirror. If you’re sitting, sit on the edge of your seat rather than having your back pressed against the chair. This keeps you alert, reminds your brain to pay attention to the conversation, and forces you to sit up straight.

Be a friend to yourself. Say positive affirmations to support your efforts, such as, ‘“I got this!” or “I can do this!” You are advocating for yourself to further your career. Good for you! Be proud of yourself for stepping up and doing the work, regardless of the outcome. 

If you’re nervous on the day of your meeting, take a few long, slow breaths. While inhaling, tell yourself that you are breathing in calm. Then, slowly exhale and tell yourself you are breathing out nervousness. Repeat this breathing exercise a few times. You can also notice your feet on the floor and intentionally move your toes or lightly stamp your feet. This helps you get out of your head and into your body, grounding you before your meeting.

Going in with a scheduled appointment, preparing what you will say, and getting in the right state of mind puts you in the best position for a positive outcome. 

But there's one more thing I want you to do. When you start the meeting, remember to smile. Smiling is the best medicine for nerves, and it will lighten the moment, set the tone for the meeting, and get you ready to go. 

You’ve got this!