How To Ask For A Pay Rise (And Get It!)
Everyone wants to be recognised for the hard work that they do. In an ideal world, your boss notices and gives you a pay rise.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen and it may well be the case that you’ll have to speak up prove why you deserve a raise.
No need to panic though! Here are our top dos and don’ts on how to ask for a pay rise and get it!
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Do’s And Don’ts To Ask For A Pay Rise
Do: focus on why you deserve a pay rise
Write a list of all the things you have achieved since you had your last salary discussion with your boss—have you moved into a more managerial role? Is your skill set unique? A good time to ask is when you’ve just completed a successful campaign or project.
Be mindful of the fact that your boss may not always see or know what you are working on. Updating them regularly on smaller projects and achievements will serve you well when asking for a raise.
Don’t: focus on why you need a pay rise
Emotional blackmail is a big no-no. While debt, rent, and general expenses can pile up all too easily, it’s not an appropriate topic to bring up when discussing a raise. Give your boss valid reasons that are based on your skills.
Do: your research
If you ask for a figure that is too high, you risk looking greedy. If you ask for a figure that is too low, you may resent working there when you know you could be paid higher elsewhere.
Research what you should expect to earn in the position you are going for, as well as the industry standard. Our salary guides are a great way to learn what other people are paid.
Don’t: compare yourself to your co-worker
If you somehow know the salary of your colleague, do not use it as negotiation ammunition. Even if feel you deserve to earn more than someone else, it will only be seen as unprofessional and ‘gossipy’. Remember to focus on your merits instead of what others are being paid.
Do: practice what you will say
Write and rehearse what you will say. It sounds basic, but when it comes to ‘the talk’ you may get anxious and fail to mention key points. Practice with a family member or a friend. It’s best to learn off a few key points and speak to them from there. If you learn a full page you may forget something and be thrown off.
Don’t: give an ultimatum
Unless you’re willing to lose your job, don’t give your boss an ultimatum. When it comes to money, you must tread lightly: you don’t want to be portrayed as demanding or self-entitled. Be confident in your request but conscious of your tone. Focus on expressing yourself in a calm, collected and professional manner.
Do: pick a time where your boss’s schedule is quiet
Picking a time where your boss is busy or stressed is not the best time to broach the topic of a raise. Check their schedule to ensure you have their undivided attention and to get your points across at your own pace.
Don’t: ask via email
Sitting face-to-face with your boss may be daunting, but it’s the best way to gauge their reaction, as well as affirm you are serious about your future in the company. While scheduling and follow-up can be done via email, it’s best to have the conversation in person.