We all want to make more money at work — and often, a raise is well-deserved, too! But, even if you feel like you earned it, asking for a raise can often feel awkward or uncomfortable.
That’s why USC Online spoke to USC Career Center expert Lori Shreve Blake to find out how to ask for a raise at work: including when to do it, what you should say and how to follow up, regardless of the response you get.
Why Should You Ask for a Raise?
First off, it’s important to determine: should you be getting a raise at work? After all, just because you want to make more money doesn’t necessarily mean it’s justified. Shreve Blake advises asking yourself these questions:
- Have my role and responsibilities increased or changed since I’ve been hired?
- Have I been doing excellent work and what is my impact on the organization?
- Do I have qualitative and quantitative data of my accomplishments to back up a request for a salary increase?
- Have I researched and determined the standard compensation for my role industrywide?
- When was the last time I received a raise?
After considering these questions, you should know whether it’s time for you to ask for a raise — and whether the company is likely to agree with you.
When Is the Best Time to Ask for a Raise at Work?
There are certain times when it naturally makes sense to broach the topic of a raise. Annual performance reviews are an example. During your annual performance review, you will already be discussing your past achievements. Plus, you’ll be talking about future goals and how you want to advance in the organization, giving you the perfect opportunity to discuss compensation.
Another good time to set up a meeting to discuss a raise is before your organization’s fiscal year ends. This is a time when organizations reevaluate their finances, and if you miss the budget cycle, you may be out of luck.
“You want to do your research, especially around the company’s budget cycle,” Shreve Blake advised. “That’s key to understanding if your timing is right.”
Keep in mind how the organization is performing in general, Shreve Blake said. If there’s financial turmoil, it’s not the right time to ask for more money.
“Is the company doing layoffs right now or tightening its belt?” Shreve Blake asked. “You have to use your emotional intelligence during any salary conversation with your supervisor and understand the ecosystem in your organization, and if it’s best to postpone and be happy with your job.”
How to Prepare Before Asking for a Raise
Before you ask for a raise, it’s important to do your research and compile your findings. This means documenting all your achievements in your current role. The more concrete examples, the better! You want to have data on hand that backs up how you’ve been an asset to the company. This data can include growth metrics, feedback from coworkers and completed projects you’re especially proud of. Additionally, you can use Glassdoor or LinkedIn to determine the average salaries for people in your role.
Once you write out what you want to say and have examples to back up the value of your work, it’s time to set up a meeting. Shreve Blake advises requesting a formal, in-person meeting with your manager. Don’t do it through email, as you won’t be able to have a proper conversation!
Remember, there’s no reason to fear asking for a raise. It may feel like an uncomfortable request, but, if you’re well prepared and have a positive attitude there is nothing to worry about!
“A lot of people are afraid that if they ask for a salary increase, it could damage the manager’s relationship or their standing in the organization,” Shreve Blake said. “But it’s totally normal and good when you have been doing excellent work and taking on additional projects and getting good results and affecting the bottom line to ask for a raise. It’s very normal and expected!”
Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Want a Raise
Timing is crucial when you’re asking for a raise. You don’t want to ask around tough financial periods for your organization, as your request is more likely to be denied. Instead, pick a time where it makes sense to bring up the possibility.
Another common mistake? Not justifying your need for a raise in a way that’s compelling to the organization. Your request for a raise should be based on your professional achievements and the market value of your position — not personal circumstances, like your rent going up or wanting to buy a new car.
Another thing to avoid is asking for a raise solely because you believe a colleague is making more than you. This could backfire if your information is incorrect.
“Avoid gossip and hearsay,” Shreve Blake said. “We want hard truths and data during this kind of conversation, so stick to the facts.”
During the conversation, keep the tone as respectful and professional as possible when you explain why you believe you deserve a raise. Don’t create a tense situation by making any bold claims, Shreve Blake said.
“I think during the salary negotiation, it’s important to be clear and confident and persuasive, but not to give any ultimatum, like, ‘If you don’t give me the [raise] I’m going to walk,’” Shreve Blake emphasized. “It won’t be seen as professional, and it could backfire.”
What to Do If Your Raise Request Is Denied
Hopefully, your meeting goes well and your request for a raise is approved. But unfortunately, it is possible it will be denied. If that happens, inquire after the reason, Shreve Blake said, so you can better understand what you need to do in the future. Determine if there are more duties or responsibilities you can take on to level up.
You should also ask if you can revisit your request for a raise down the line and what the timeframe for that would be.
“If they don’t seem very encouraging or in your corner, well then you might have to decide that this isn’t the place for you anymore,” Shreve Blake said. “Unfortunately, securing a new job may be your only option if you really want to make more money and your current organization’s timing for a pay increase is off.”
Remember, there can be lots of reasons a company might deny your request for a raise, including the economy, challenges in the industry, issues with the organization’s standing or other things happening behind the scenes.
“Don’t be disappointed. … It is not an indication of your worth,” Shreve Blake said. “Continue to sharpen your salary negotiation skills and continue to advocate for yourself! Always remember, you are the CEO of your career, not your boss.”
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