How to Ask for a Pay Rise

Asking for a pay raise can feel daunting, but it’s an important conversation that you need to have at some point in your career. If you feel you’ve been delivering value and contributing positively to your company, requesting a salary increase is a fair thing to do.

Here’s a guide to help you navigate this conversation confidently and effectively.

1. Know Your Value

Before approaching the topic of a pay raise, it’s crucial to understand your worth within the organisation and in the job market. Do your research by comparing salaries for your role in your industry and geographic location. Check out our 2024 Salary Guides on our website for more info on this!

Additionally, take note of your achievements, contributions, and the value you’ve added to the company. Prepare examples, and where you can, focus on measurable results such as sales targets projects delivered, or any cost-saving initiatives you’ve spearheaded.

2. Time It Right

Timing is critical when asking for a pay raise. Consider company performance and the financial health of the business before making your request. If your company is going through a rough patch, it may not be the best time to ask.

However, if your company has had a successful quarter or year, or you’ve just completed a major project, it might be the perfect moment to initiate the conversation. Many employees find success by aligning their requests with their performance reviews, as this is when employers are already evaluating their work and future growth.

3. Practice the Conversation

Asking for a pay raise can be nerve-wracking, but practising can help you feel more confident. Role-play the conversation with a trusted friend or colleague, practising different ways to state your case and respond to potential objections.

Focus on being professional and composed throughout the conversation. While it’s tempting to bring up personal reasons for wanting a raise (e.g., rent increase, lifestyle expenses), it’s essential to keep the discussion focused on your professional value and contributions to the company.

4. Initiate the Discussion

When you’re ready, ask for a formal meeting with your manager to discuss your performance and compensation. Be clear and upfront about the purpose of the meeting. For example, you could say, “I’d like to schedule a meeting to discuss my role and future with the company, including compensation.”

During the meeting, maintain a positive and collaborative tone. Instead of demanding a raise, express appreciation for your role and frame the request as part of an ongoing conversation about your growth within the company.

5. Be Ready for Negotiation

There’s a possibility that your employer will want to negotiate. Be prepared for counteroffers, which may include other forms of compensation such as additional vacation days, stock options, or flexible work arrangements if they can’t meet your requested salary.

It’s important to be flexible while still maintaining clarity on what you deserve. Be ready to have an open conversation about other ways the company could reward your hard work if budget constraints are a concern.

6. What if it doesn’t go as planned?

If the answer is no, it’s crucial to handle the rejection gracefully. Ask for feedback to understand why the raise wasn’t approved and what you can work on to increase your chances of success in the future. This shows professionalism and a willingness to continue growing.

It’s also a good idea to set a timeline for revisiting the discussion. You could say something like, “I understand the timing might not be right now, but I’d like to revisit this conversation in six months after working on the areas we discussed.”

If you’re ready to explore new opportunities, take a proactive approach. Start by researching the job market to understand what roles match your skills and offer better compensation. Continue performing well at your current job to maintain a strong professional reputation but use the rejection as a signal to seek an employer who values your contributions and can offer the growth and recognition you’re looking for.

Download our FREE salary guides to know how much you should be paid!