Asking for a pay raise can be daunting, but it’s a vital skill for career advancement, and at Resume Professional Writers, we understand the importance of asserting your value in the workplace.
This guide will take you through the key steps to effectively requesting a pay increase, from preparation to execution. It also offers practical tips to help you approach the conversation with your employer with confidence and increase your chances of success.
Build the case for a raise
At Resume Professional Writers, we understand the importance of making a persuasive case for a salary increase. In this chapter, we will walk you through the key steps to making a persuasive case for a salary increase.
Salary standards in the research industry
Start preparing by researching industry salary ranges. Glassdoor, PayScale, Bureau of Labor Statistics It will provide you with valuable information on the average salary for your job title and experience level. Take into account where you live, as salaries can vary widely by region. This research will establish a solid foundation for your requirements and help you set realistic expectations.
Record your success
Make a comprehensive list of your accomplishments since your last raise or since you joined the company. Highlight projects that exceeded expectations, solved critical problems, or contributed to the company’s bottom line. For example:
- Salespeople: Highlight the deals you win and their value
- Marketing Expert: Learn about campaigns and their impact on brand awareness and lead generation
- IT Specialist: Details of systems implemented to improve efficiency and security
Quantify your worth
Numbers are important to demonstrate your value. Whenever possible, translate your accomplishments into tangible metrics. Consider the following examples:
- “20% increase in efficiency”
- “The company saved $50,000 a year in costs.”
- “Customer satisfaction improved by 15 points”
These hard numbers provide a powerful indication of your value to the organization.
Gather supporting evidence
Gather positive feedback from coworkers, customers, and your boss to strengthen your argument. Include the following:
- Performance Review
- An email praising your work
- customer’s voice
Also highlight any additional responsibilities you’ve taken on or new skills you’ve gained through training or certifications. This comprehensive portfolio will demonstrate your growth and value to the company.
Preparing for your presentation
With your research and evidence at hand, craft a concise, compelling presentation. Outline your key achievements, the value you’ve brought to the company, and your goals for the future. Practice your presentation so that it comes across as confident and professional. Consider preparing an elevator pitch to succinctly communicate your value proposition.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be ready to make a strong case for a raise. In the next chapter, we’ll cover a key aspect: when to ask for a raise most effectively.
When to ask for a raise
Consider the company’s performance
The company’s financial health will play a key role in whether your request will be successful. Ask for a salary increase when the company is doing well. Keep an eye on quarterly reports, recent successes, and positive news about the company’s growth. If the organization has just landed a major client or reported strong revenue, this may be a good time to discuss compensation.
Making the most of your work cycle
Your personal work cycle can be a great time to begin salary negotiations. The completion of an important project or the achievement of a major milestone is often the ideal time. Your contributions are fresh in your manager’s memory, making it easier to justify your request. For example, if you’ve just led your team to launch a new product or streamline a key process, use this momentum to your advantage.
Sync with performance reviews
Many companies hold annual or semi-annual performance reviews. These are often designated periods to discuss roles, accomplishments, and the future within the company. According to Payscale’s 2021 report, the number of companies that gave salary increases in 2020 dropped from 82% to just 63.7%. If your company follows this practice, make sure you’re well prepared ahead of any scheduled meetings.
Time your requests strategically
Timing involves more than just picking the right date. You also need to have a strong track record. Typically, you should stay in your current role for at least a year before asking for a raise (unless you’ve taken on significant new responsibilities or your role has expanded significantly).
Try to avoid high-stress periods for management, such as important deadlines or company-wide initiatives, as your request may get overshadowed by other priorities and less impactful. Instead, choose a relatively calm time when your manager will be able to give your request their full attention.
Align with budget cycles
If you know your company’s budget cycle, time your request accordingly. Many organizations set budgets on an annual or quarterly basis. Contact your manager a few months before these decisions to ensure that your raise will be considered in the next budget.
These factors will help you choose the best time for your salary negotiation. Once you have prepared your case and strategically planned the timing, you can focus on executing the conversation effectively. In the next chapter, we will walk you through the process of conducting a successful salary negotiation meeting.
How to hold a successful salary request meeting
Setting
Schedule a dedicated meeting with your manager, preferably in-person or over a video call. Choose a time when you can both focus and be free of distractions. Send a brief agenda outlining the purpose of the meeting to set clear expectations.
On the day of the meeting, dress professionally to emphasize the seriousness of the conversation. Arrive early (whether in a physical conference room or on a virtual call) so you are calm and prepared.
State your case
Begin the meeting by thanking your manager for their time and briefly explaining the objectives. Then deliver a well-prepared presentation, confidently showcasing your accomplishments using concrete examples and data you’ve collected.
For example, instead of saying, “We’ve improved our customer service,” say, “Over the past six months, we’ve seen a 15% increase in customer satisfaction scores and a 20% increase in repeat business.”
Use visual aids where appropriate: a one-page summary of your key accomplishments can act as a powerful tool to concretely remind your manager of your value.
Keep the conversation going
Be prepared for questions and potential backlash. Your boss may ask about your long-term goals and how you plan to contribute in the future. Be prepared with clear, concise answers that align your ambitions with the company’s goals.
If people balk at your initial request, be prepared to negotiate. Consider alternatives, such as a small pay increase combined with additional benefits or a promise to meet again in a few months.
I’m looking forward to
At the end of the meeting, discuss your future goals and how they align with the company’s vision — this demonstrates your commitment and helps your manager see your long-term value.
If you can’t get an immediate raise, ask about specific performance goals that would merit a raise. This sets the stage for future discussions and demonstrates a proactive attitude toward career development.
Follow-up Actions
After the meeting, send a thank-you email outlining the main points discussed and any agreed-upon next steps. This keeps a record, reinforces professionalism, and serves as a gentle reminder of your request and the value you bring to the organization.
Final thoughts
Asking for a raise requires careful preparation and strategic timing. You should research industry standards, document your performance, and quantify your value to the company. The right time to ask for a raise will depend on your company’s financial situation, performance review period, and recent successes.
During meetings, express your opinion confidently and professionally. Use concrete examples and data to explain your contributions. Maintain open communication with your manager about your career goals and consistently demonstrate your value.
At Resume Professional Writers, we understand the importance of effectively presenting yourself in salary negotiations. Our professional resume writing services will help you highlight your accomplishments (so you can speak for yourself with confidence). Master how to ask for a salary increase and take proactive steps to shape your career path.
