How To Ask For A Raise

Asking for a raise can be nerve wracking. Especially if you plan to have the conversation outside the typical review period where these types of conversations come up naturally. Here are some tips that will prepare you for the conversation.

• Make sure you are going above and beyond what is expected in the role
• Be prepared to justify the increase – added responsibility, landed multiple large deals, etc.
• Do your research – what are others at your level earning outside your company?

Most managers will need to justify the pay raise to THEIR managers, so they probably won’t be able to give you a decision on the spot. To better your chances, it’s important to arm them with enough information to make the case on your behalf. This may include preparing some bullets they can email.

Once your employer approves the raise, make sure to get it in writing (an email or chat conversation is fine). Sometimes it can take time before your raise is active and you don’t want the only person to know about it to leave the company.