You work hard for the money, but are you really getting paid what you deserve?

Asking for a raise can be one of the most nerve-wracking conversations you’ll have in your career, but it’s also one of the most important. Advocating for yourself and your work is crucial to ensuring you’re compensated fairly for the value you bring to your company.

Whether you’ve taken on new responsibilities, achieved significant milestones, or simply feel it’s time for your salary to reflect your contributions, knowing how to approach the conversation with confidence is key.

There’s more to getting a raise than simply sitting your boss down and asking for more money – there are several steps you should take beforehand.

Using tools like performance management systems can help you track your achievements and gather relevant data to present during your meeting to strengthen your case further.

This step-by-step guide will lead you through each step and explain the importance of coming to a meeting with your boss prepared, practiced, and precise.

Conduct your personal assessment

The first question your boss might ask you when you ask for a raise is why you think you deserve one. It’s the most important question you should be prepared to answer during this process. You’ll want to be proactive in answering this question by creating a list of reasons you believe you deserve a raise based on your performance.

There are countless ways to measure success in your job. It will be to your benefit to create a list of personal successes that highlight how you have helped the company succeed. Take an hour out of your day and jot down all the successes you’ve had over the last fiscal year.

Once you’ve created this list, you should isolate the three biggest wins you’ve had and gather the numbers and proof you’ll need to make your case. This will prevent you from overwhelming your boss with too much information and avoid looking unprepared.

Research how much increase to ask for

Now that you’ve listed the reasons you deserve a raise, it’s time to decide how much those accomplishments are worth. There are numerous free tools available online that can help you put a real dollar value behind the things you’ve accomplished.

These reports will assist you in approaching your boss with unbiased market research and data. You should bring at least two of these reports with you to show the data isn’t a fluke and that you’ve done your research ahead of time.

These websites measure your estimated salary value based on your location, experience, skillset (hard vs. soft skills), and more. All four websites are free to use and only require an email address to create an account.

Make sure your timing is perfect

It can be tempting to schedule your boss for a meeting as soon as you have all this information gathered, but that’s not always the best strategy. The best time to ask for a raise is when your boss isn’t swamped with work and can fully consider your proposal without distractions.

Find out when your company plans the budget for the next fiscal year before you ask. You can increase your chances of success if you ask for a raise when your boss has more budget to work with.

Schedule a meeting to discuss

Once you’re ready to ask your boss for a raise, you should email them to schedule a time to discuss your potential raise.

Your email asking for a meeting with your boss should be concise and to the point. You shouldn’t avoid asking for a raise in your email, but you should keep the details brief.

 Presenting your research and asking for a raise in person will be more impactful than asking via email for a couple of reasons. It will eliminate any miscommunication that can come from conversations that aren’t face-to-face. It will also give you a chance to show your boss your confidence and showcase the thought and care you’ve put into your request.

Tip: Here’s how to write a professional email that will land you a response.

What to say when you ask for a raise

You’ve got a meeting on the books, and you’re ready to make your case. Remember to relax and lead with confidence when you sit down with your boss to discuss a raise. You’ve already done all the hard work and prepared yourself for this meeting!

The key to making a convincing case is focusing on why you deserve a raise. Reference both the list of your accomplishments over the last year along with the salary research you did earlier to drive your point home.

Be ready to answer any questions your boss may ask you about your performance or the research you’re bringing to the table. These questions are an opportunity for you to show that you’ve done your homework and know what you’re talking about – so embrace them!

Sample scripts and examples

Here are some sample scripts to prepare for your conversations about asking for a raise. These scripts can serve as templates for various scenarios, such as:

Initial request for a meeting

Hi [Manager’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I would like to schedule a meeting to discuss my role and contributions to the team. I believe it’s a good time to review my progress and consider the possibility of adjusting my compensation to reflect my contributions.

Please let me know your availability in the coming days. I appreciate your time and look forward to our conversation.

Best,
[Your Name]

Opening statement: during the meeting

“Thank you for meeting with me today. I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss my contributions to the team and my role within the company. Over the past [specific time frame], I have [mention specific achievements, projects, or responsibilities], which I believe have positively impacted our team’s success.”

Presenting your case

“I have taken on [specific responsibilities] and have achieved [specific results, metrics, or recognition]. According to my research, the average salary for my position in our industry is [mention salary range]. Given my contributions and the value I bring, I would like to discuss the possibility of a raise to align my compensation with my performance and market standards.”

Handling objections

“I understand that budget constraints may be a concern. However, I would appreciate any feedback you can provide on my performance and what I can do to support a salary increase in the future. I am committed to continuing to add value to our team and would like to understand the expectations moving forward.”

Closing statement

“Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate your support and guidance. I look forward to your feedback and hope we can work together to ensure my compensation reflects my contributions to the team.”

Download your free checklist

Preparing to ask for a raise requires more than just confidence—it demands thorough planning and solid evidence. To help you organize your thoughts and ensure you cover all the essential steps, we’ve created a free, downloadable checklist.

This tool will guide you through the process from start to finish, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your conversation. Download your free checklist now and take the first step toward getting the raise you deserve.

What if you don’t get a raise?

There’s always the possibility that you may not receive a raise despite your hard work and research. There are many reasons your first request for a raise may have been denied. This doesn’t mean a raise is out of the question. It just means this may not have been the right time.

Not getting a raise can be frustrating, but that doesn’t mean you should give up right away. Sometimes, there are factors beyond your control that have prevented your raise. Maybe you’re just not ready yet. Either way, there are two paths you can take after being denied a raise.

The first is to work with your manager toward a resolution at your current company. Start by asking your boss for their reasoning for declining your raise, and then work to create a plan that you can work toward over the next year. During this time, you should proactively follow up with your manager and continue working hard.

The second is to consider other opportunities. If your manager refuses to help you map a path toward growth in your company or is dismissive of your goals, then you may want to consider moving on in your career.

Whichever path you choose, the skills you’ll acquire during this process will help carry you forward in your career and help you become a master negotiator.

Time to raise your pay

Asking for a raise is a powerful way to advocate for your career growth and ensure your compensation reflects the value you bring to your organization. By preparing thoroughly, gathering solid evidence of your achievements, and approaching the conversation with confidence, you can increase your chances of a positive outcome.

So, take a deep breath, trust in your worth, and raise the bar—both for yourself and your pay!

Find further ways to advance your career with these professional development tips.

This article was originally published in 2019. It has been updated with new information.