You want to ask for a raise, but you aren’t quite sure how to tackle this conversation. You don’t want to look greedy, or unprofessional. But you feel as though you are worthy of the raise. This is a conversation many employees simply avoid in hopes their manager will soon just offer them one. However, there is nothing wrong with having a meeting and asking for a raise, as long as you go about it the correct way.
Prepare
You should never just walk in to work one day and think “I am going to ask for a raise today”. This is something you should prepare for. You should have facts, and data to back up your statement on Why you deserve a raise. Make sure to build your case, find examples of how you have benefited the team or times you went above and beyond. Know your worth! There are many resources out there on where to find the average salary for your position. You shouldn’t base everything on this data, but it helps to know.
Find the Right Time
Picking the right time to ask for a raise is just as important as preparing for the conversation. Take note of your busy seasons, and when your manager seems to be busier. You should never ask for a raise on a day in which your manager is stressed out. A great time to ask is when you have your performance review. You will already be discussing your accomplishments and performance, so asking for a raise should come naturally in the conversation. Another great time is after you complete a big assignment/project. You have just shown your hard work and dedication, and it will be fresh in their minds.
During the conversation
Ideally, you will have scheduled a time with your boss to discuss this important matter. And I am sure you will have a million thoughts rushing through your head. What do I say? How do I act? It’s fine, it’s totally normal to be nervous. You followed the last step, and prepared, right? So no need to worry! Be confident, clear, and specific. You will not get that raise if you act unsure of yourself. Make sure to show gratitude for your boss and your company. If you do get the raise, make sure to ask if any responsibilities come with it. It is important to be on the same page as your manager. And if you don’t get the raise, it’s totally okay to ask when a raise might be coming, or if there are any other workplace perks you might be able to get, and what things you might do to earn the raise.
Make sure that regardless of how the raise conversation went, that you keep up your performance. This can be important because if you got the raise, it justifies that you were deserving of it. And if you didn’t, it shows that you are worthy of it in the future. Just because you did not get a raise does not mean it’s personal, sometimes it’s simply not in the budget. There is always an opportunity to try again.
