Asking for a raise can be scary, but if you do it right, you can ask for more money with confidence. Knowing how to ask is super valuable for your career and wallet, whether you’ve been killing it at work or doing more stuff.
Here’s how to ask for a raise and get a yes every time.
1. Back Up Your Ask with Proof
Before you talk to your boss, get some solid proof of how awesome you are. Think about things like:
- Big wins and what you’ve brought to the table.
- Good reviews.
- Numbers that show you’ve made things better, like boosting sales or making things faster.
- Extra stuff you’ve taken on.
Showing exactly how you’ve helped makes your request way stronger. For example, saying I upped sales by 20% last quarter is way better than just saying I worked hard.
2. See What Others Are Making
Check out websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, or LinkedIn Salary to see what people in your job make in your area. This helps you know what’s a fair amount to ask for and shows you’ve done your homework, which bosses like.
3. Pick the Right Time
When you ask matters. Try shooting your shot during performance reviews or after you nail a big project. Skip asking when the company is having a rough time or cutting costs. You want to find a moment when your manager will listen.
4. Practice What You’ll Say
Practice your chat with a friend or in the mirror. Get ready to explain clearly and like you mean it why you deserve more money. Keep it positive and professional, and focus on how you help the company.
5. Get Ready for Questions
Your manager might ask questions or offer something different from what you want. Stay cool and listen. If they can’t give you a raise right away, ask about other perks or when you can talk about it again.
6. Check Back In
If you don’t hear back right away, send a polite follow-up email after a week or two. Showing you’re serious is good, but stay respectful.
Basically, asking for a raise is about standing up for yourself at work. If you do it the right way, it’ll make you feel more confident and get you more money. Use these steps to plan your conversation, and you’ll increase your chances of getting that raise.
