Receiving a raise depicts professional growth and recognition of your hard work and contributions to your company. But you might find it intimidating to ask your boss for a raise at work, whether through email writing or a one-on-one conversation.
However, this article will equip you with the tips to navigate the salary increment request process confidently. From discovering the right timing of measuring your achievements and rehearsing your points, we’ll cover all aspects of this process.
By the end of this guide, you’ll clearly understand the subject of a pay raise with your boss and how to articulate your value to the organization.
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Why it is Important To Ask Your Boss For a Raise
If you feel it’s time to top-up your income, then it’s essential you understand how to ask your boss for a raise (whether physically or via writing an email). Below are the reasons requesting an increase in your income is important:
Improves your self-confidence: Possessing the skills to express yourself and request what you want has a way of improving your self-esteem. Getting ready to discuss this with your manager also reminds you of why you deserve an increased pay.
Demonstrates your work ethic: Asking your boss for a raise reminds you of your hard work and significant impact in the company. Therefore, this discussion can make them realize your invaluable efforts more.
Could lead to career advancement: Requesting an increase could result in conversations about advancing your career with the company. Your boss may say something along the lines of “You’d have to take on extra tasks and responsibilities.” However, these additional responsibilities can help you grow your skills and take you to a higher position within the organization.
Things To Consider Before Asking For a Raise At Work
Before you ask your boss at work for a raise, whether through writing an email or one-on-one conversation, you must consider the following factors:
- The benchmark of your salary.
- Measure your achievements and ensure you’ve made a significant impact in the company.
- Prepare for a discussion with your boss.
- Rehearse how to ask for a raise (via writing an email or physical discussion, depending on your preference).
- Use confident language — avoid terms like “might,” “may,” “I think,” “maybe,” and “perhaps.” These terms give off the impression that you’re not sure.
See Also: 4 Mistakes to Avoid in Customer Support
When is a Good Time To Ask Your Boss For a Raise?
Many people are of the opinion that there’s no ideal time to ask your boss at work for a raise; so just use your initiative. Refrain from requesting an increase in your pay at a sensitive period such as, if your:
- Organization just laid people off or fired some employees.
- Manager is going through a difficult time in his life.
- Department had low numbers for the previous/current quarter.
When you ask for a raise at work through writing an email during this period, your manager will perceive you as being insensitive. And this isn’t what you want. Before demanding an increase in your income, think about your firm’s present practices for income increase.
For example, if they have a culture of giving out raises on the first day of the year, speak to your manager about it in November or December. This gives them the opportunity to consider your demands and work with other top executives.
Moreso, it is way better to use this approach instead of telling them to alter their decision after you’ve discovered the income increment. But if there’s no specific culture for pay increments, do well to tender your request in a “good” time.
A “good” time in this context can be: a quarter with high success rate, when your manager is satisfied with your work, or during the time of the year when everybody’s not stressed out.
How Much of a Raise Should I Ask For?
The average pay raise is typically 3% or a little above it. Whereas, a solid increase rate falls between 4.5% to 5%, and anything greater than that is regarded as exceptional. Meanwhile, you can still ask your boss for a raise within the 10% to 20% range.
But this largely depends on your performance or impact on the firm, the length of period that’s passed since your last raise, and other reasons you express for an income increase. Remember, if you’re requesting a higher percentage increase, you must cite stronger reasons.
Now, let’s assume you accepted a role that comes with traveling, and this keeps you on the road more than half the time. In this case, demanding a 20% increase won’t be unreasonable because your responsibilities have obviously changed.
But let’s say you’re demanding a pay increase because it’s been over a year since your last increase. Plus, you’ve continuously performed your job excellently. It will be wise to begin from a reasonable percentage.
We know you deserve an increase but you must know how to consider the reality of your impact & contributions while tendering your request.
Also Read: Is Finance a Good Career Path?
How Do I Ask My Boss At Work For a Raise?
Whether through writing an email or a physical conversation at work, it isn’t so easy to ask for a raise from your boss. However, these tips will help you articulate your request in the best way possible.
1. Have a network of advocates
Experts recommend that having a network of supporters who can advocate for you is a proactive way to request an increase. This is because it demonstrates your value to the organization.
Meanwhile, you can get these advocates by building relationships with your colleagues over time. And when you’re prepared to demand a pay increase, your supporters can stand in as references.
But if you choose to ask for a raise at work from your boss via email writing, they can send in an affirmative note demonstrating your growth and impact from their perspective.
2. Research salary data
You must first understand what the market says about the pay for your job. Further, you should also have knowledge about what your colleagues in similar positions at other companies are earning. So, you should be equipped with these information because it will be required when having the discussion. While these are still important, it is critical to have a pay scale data from your organization.
3. Request a meeting (upfront) for your salary review
This enables your manager to prepare ahead of time, so that nobody’s time is wasted. So, be very direct in your request and communicate appropriately ahead of time.
4. Create a list of your accomplishments in the company
Overall, this is the most important information you should bring to your salary review conversation. Discussing your contributions to the company and how they’ve helped in the company’s growth can give you an edge while discussing your raise. So, use it as a basis for a salary increase. However, ensure you’re performing above expectations.
5. Practice the points you’ll discuss in your salary review meeting
It is natural for you to get anxious when discussing pay increments. To minimize this anxiety, ensure you rehearse all the points you’d like to discuss in your salary review meeting. This is particularly essential if you will not ask your boss for a raise through email writing. Meanwhile, you can do your rehearsals in front of your bathroom mirror or while recording a video of yourself.
6. Mention the specific percentage increase or figure that you want for your raise
You should come prepared to the table with the specific percentage increase or dollar figure you want. This will aid the decision-making process of your HR professional or manager.
7. Inquire about possible promotions, and negotiate if they say ‘No’
Sometimes when employees request a salary increase, they’re likely seeking a promotion. So, this is your opportunity to inquire about a promotion in your career, maintaining your development and impact as a basis for promotion. A good manager will review your contributions to the company alongside your development and weigh your options.
But if after doing all these and you still get ‘no’ for an answer, don’t be deterred. Sometimes, a ‘no’ could mean ‘not right now.’ In this case, you can explicitly explain your impact on the company and how it has translated into significant growth. But if you still get a ‘no’ from your boss without any tangible reason, you might want to consider other options best for you.
Things Not To Say When Asking For a Raise
Asking for an increased pay is like adding spices to your food — a little goes a long way but too much ruins the whole dish. So, you should be careful not to make a careless statement. As much as you can, avoid these phrases:
- “I’ll leave if I don’t get an increase.”
- “Mr. A earns more than me.”
- “I need a raise that aligns with my cost/standard of living.”
- “Why haven’t I gotten an increase in my salary?”
- “I’m overdue for a raise; so I deserve one.”
- “I need an increase because I’m having financial difficulties.”
- “I’m going to work for our competitors.”
Conclusion
Asking for an increased pay can be an intimidating and difficult attempt. But with adequate preparation alongside a professional approach, and confidence, you can boost your chances of success.
Remember to be proactive about your request, quantify your contributions and achievements, and be ready to negotiate politely. Ultimately, maintain a positive attitude and focus on how your raise benefits your organization and boss, not just yourself.