In your professional working career, one obstacle you may face is asking for a raise. And I say “obstacle” because many are uncomfortable, anxious, or are a bit afraid to ask for more money. Sure, you’ll probably get some recurring annual review with an increase in salary of maybe 1-3%.
But let’s be honest about that. It’s not going to improve your financial life dramatically. Instead, it basically helps you keep up with rising costs of bills or other expenses.
Below are a few tips to help prepare you to ask for an increase and what to do if you aren’t getting what you want (or if you aren’t getting any raise at all).
1. Practice, practice, practice
Asking for a raise or working on salary negotiation tactics can be nerve wrecking. The best thing to do is practice your questions and your reasons for a raise.
That can be going over your topics in the mirror a few times, with a close friend, or a family member. They can provide feedback on something you might be missing or help coach your speaking.
2. Figure out your managers preferences
If you want to successfully get a pay raise, you need to respect how your manager likes to be presented to. Simply learn if your manager likes detailed information, short but to the point highlights, or maybe more visual details. Also, find out if he or she likes the info via email or in-person first too.
3. Find the best time to connect and schedule a meeting
Whether you realize it or not, your timing can make a HUGE difference in getting a pay increase that you want. Maybe it’s the wrong time of the year, end of a busy quarter, before a long holiday, or just the wrong time of the week.
Asking on a Monday at all or Tuesday afternoon is probably not the best time. Beginning of the weeks are generally the busiest and coming back from a weekend can alter your managers mood. Instead, your best bet during the week will be a Friday mid-morning or early afternoon before the “weekend check-out” happens.
4. Keep it positive right from the start
No matter if you are really frustrated or you have a somewhat difficult manager, keep the positivity flowing. If you are asking for a raise, you probably do like your work or the company, so you need to show that to the person who signs off on giving you a raise.
You can start to paint the picture of you and your work too. “I really enjoy how my role and responsibilities have expanded,” or “My work has gotten more challenging, but it’s also been helping me grow professionally.”
5. Present your case and be specific
After starting the chat on your excitement, growth, and enthusiasm to continue your professional career with the company, present your case. All your evidence collecting of your recent work highlights and research will show your value and how prepared you are. Give concrete examples and how it may have greatly helped company save X or increase Y by Z%.
6. Let your manager speak and listen
Although it’s mostly about you discussing and presenting, your manager will also have things to say or ask. Be sure to not talk over them or get defensive if they ask something that throws you off.
Listen, see where their mindset is, and understand where they are coming from. Being a great listener can help guide your answers and approach as the meeting continues.
7. Be patient, you might not get a “yes” right away
Most likely, your manager cannot give you a “yes” in your first meeting. They may need to think about it, get approval from higher-ups, or figure out the best number for you (because you may ask for 10%, but they may negotiate to 8%. Still a win!).
At the end of your meeting, ask to schedule a follow-up on the calendar in a few days or the following week. This gets it on the calendar right away and ensure it doesn’t slip to like 3 weeks later.