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Asking for a raise is one of the most nerve-wracking conversations you can have at work, but the right timing, approach, and words can make all the difference between success and an awkward “no.” While surveys by Gartner and Pew Research show that many Americans say their pay is unfair or doesn’t satisfy them, many people are afraid to ask, worried they’ll make matters worse.
So what should you do if you really want to ask for a raise at work? We talked to a career expert who said there’s one thing to really focus on: evidence.
“Have proof to back it up to say why you’re worth it,” Vicki Salemi told Investopedia. “Do your research to understand the going rate for your experience and skills so you know what amount to ask for. Do internal research and look at job postings that typically include salary ranges, especially if your current company has similar openings, so you get a sense of what they’re paying new hires.”
Key Takeaways
- Asking for raises can be stressful, which is why it’s important to be prepared for the conversation beforehand with proof of why you’re worth it.
- Experts recommend knowing comparable salaries for your position in your area and asking at the right time, like after completing an important project or during an annual review.
- If you get rejected, it helps to be prepared to ask about what you can do to secure a raise in the future or about increasing other forms of compensation, such as vacation days.
Time, Place, and Word Choice Are All Important
Start off on the right foot when asking for a raise by knowing how to ask and when and where to make the request. Human resources firm Robert Half recommends beginning the process in writing to maintain a record and to get a clear timeline for when you plan to discuss it.
The first consideration is whether it’s the best time for this discussion. Is it a stressful time at the company? Is your firm in a financial position to give raises? The best time to bring up compensation is often soon after completing an important project or achieving a significant success.
“If there are layoffs, an acquisition, etc., and the company is not doing well, your conversation may not get very far,” Salemi said. “You can still talk to your boss, but keep expectations in check.”
Once you’ve secured a meeting to discuss compensation, you’ll need to prepare. You should know the exact amount (either the dollar amount or percentage of your salary) that you plan to ask for and how that compares to the average for your job title and geographic area. Having a general script you plan to follow will help you speak clearly and confidently. You should also be ready to answer questions about the following:
- The specific number you’ve chosen and how you arrived at it
- Recent successes or accomplishments you’ve had that help justify a raise
- Whether you’re willing to take on greater responsibilities
This preparation will help you make a more compelling case rather than stumbling through an unpracticed pitch.
Tip
It’s important to know what size raise you plan on asking for. If you’re asking around the time of or during an annual performance review, a 3% to 5% raise is standard.
Phrases To Avoid, and What To Do If the Answer Is ‘No’
When making your pitch, avoid words that make you sound less assertive, including “believe,” “feel,” “think,” “just,” “only,” and “might.”
“There’s a fine line to being assertive and feeling entitled ‘just because,'” Salemi said. “There’s not necessarily a do and don’t for language to avoid using, but when you communicate, be confident and articulate.”
It’s always possible, and equally important to plan for, getting rejected. If the answer is “maybe” or “not now,” be prepared to ask about the next steps and when a decision will be made.
If the answer is more of a firm “no,” be prepared to ask questions about what you can do to secure a raise in the future. This could also be a time to ask for other forms of compensation, such as more vacation days, instead of a raise.
“Explain you want to know what it would take to get recognized with a raise and/or promotion—ask for clarity and specifics about metrics and what you need to do to get to that point.” Salemi said. “So it becomes an ongoing conversation, so when you do ask for a raise, you can state something like: ‘As you know, last year I asked about metrics and you indicated X, Y and Z and I’ve done that…so I wanted to talk about a raise.'”
The Bottom Line
You’ll improve your chances when asking for a raise if you prepare with proof, do your research on the going rates in your industry, time the request well, and speak with confidence. Choose the right moment—ideally after a major accomplishment or during a performance review—and come armed with research on comparable salaries and a clear dollar amount or percentage you’re seeking.
Even if things don’t go the way you want, getting the conversation started can help set you up for success down the road—your employer now knows your expectations, and you’ve shown you’re serious about advancing your career and compensation.
