04/03/2025
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Asking for a raise is a key step in career growth, yet many employees hesitate due to fear of rejection or uncertainty about how to approach the conversation. However, salary negotiations are ordinary, and those who advocate for themselves are rewarded and as a result often see better pay and career opportunities. The ability to effectively negotiate your salary not only improves your financial strength but also demonstrates confidence and a strong sense of self-worth in the workplace on your part.
Negotiation for a raise requires confidence and a strategic approach prepared ahead of time. Many people feel that talking about compensation is uncomfortable, but it’s an essential part of ensuring fair pay. The way you present your request and the evidence you provide can greatly influence the outcome. By knowing your worth and strategically communicating your value, you set the stage for a more successful and rewarding career.
This guide will help you navigate the process of asking for a raise with confidence by showing you how to prepare, present your case with data, choose the right timing, and handle different responses. By following these steps, you can build a strong argument and ensure that your request is well-received, increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Importance of preparation and confidence
When entering a delicate conversation, preparation is key to a successful salary negotiation. Some elements must be anticipated prior to the meeting: enter with confidence, back up your request with accomplishments and data, and ensure your case is well-structured. These details can significantly impact a positive outcome. Approaching the discussion with a well-thought-out plan will not only help you stay composed and not lose your nerve but also allow you to counter any objections raised by your employer.
Building confidence comes from thorough preparation. Confidence does not mean arrogance; rather, it’s the ability to articulate your contributions clearly and present a case that is difficult to disconfirm. Many employees fear coming across as demanding, but seeking a raise is a standard part of professional growth. A well-prepared employee who communicates effectively is more likely to be taken seriously by their employer.
Benchmark your salary
Benchmarking your salary entails obtaining internal compensation data and comparing it to kindred positions in other companies. Use online tools, review compensation studies and chat with colleagues, peers in other companies or even recruitment professionals.
Also take into account your seniority, experience and evolution in the company. An increase is not only justified by a comparison with the market, but also by your contribution to the company.
Before negotiating a raise, it’s crucial to understand how your salary compares to industry standards. A salary checker allows you to benchmark your compensation against similar roles based on experience, industry, and location. By using a reliable salary calculator, you can ensure that your request is backed by real market data rather than assumptions.
Morgan Philips’ Salary Checker
For the most accurate insights, use our Morgan Philips Salary Checker to see where your salary stands. Our tool provides you with up-to-date salary benchmarks, helping you determine if you are paid fairly and what a competitive salary increase would be. Simply enter your job title, industry, and region to get instant results and approach your salary negotiation with confidence.
Quantify your achievements
To justify your salary increase request, highlight concrete achievements. Have you increased productivity, reduced costs, attracted new clients, developed your team, or improved a process? The more quantified your accomplishments, the greater their impact.
Executives base salary decisions on measurable facts. Create a list of your achievements and support them with relevant figures:
Prepare for a discussion
Anticipate potential questions and objections from your employer. Have clear and relevant arguments, and be prepared to respond constructively.
Identify in advance the reasons why your manager might hesitate to grant a salary increase, such as a limited budget or different strategic priorities. Prepare responses that demonstrate your raise is justified by facts and will also benefit the company.
Practice how to ask for a raise
Additionally, practicing your delivery can help ease nerves and ensure a professional and assertive tone. Rehearsing responses to potential objections, maintaining steady body language, and speaking with clarity will make a strong impression. The more prepared you are, the more natural and confident you will feel during the discussion.
Know your company’s raise and budget cycles
Each company has its own budget cycles and salary increase periods. Do your research to choose the right timing.
Also, consider the company's financial health. If the company is undergoing budget cuts, layoffs, or financial instability, it may not be the best time to request a raise. Similarly, if your manager is overwhelmed with tight deadlines or high-priority projects, waiting until they are more available could lead to better results.
Choose the right time to ask
There is a good time for everything, and especially when asking for a raise. Strategic timing can make the difference between an approval and a dismissal. Timing is everything when it comes to salary negotiations. If you ask too soon, you may seem impatient. If you ask too late, you may miss your chance. Some good examples are after successfully completing a major project, put forth your accomplishments and results when you’ve taken on additional responsibilities. Making your request at the right moment ensures that your hard work is fresh in your employer’s mind. If you recently received a strong performance assessment or accolades from leadership, this can also be an opportune time to launch the discussion. Asking for a raise when you have leverage is more likely to result in a favorable outcome.
Be aware of the timing at which you make your request, send it at least a week before the meeting. This gives your manager enough time to review and evaluate your performance and prepare for the discussion that will take place. Your email needs to be clear, professional, and concise, while anticipating potential questions.
Discuss the value you have brought to the company
Take time to document both quantitative and qualitative achievements. While measurable improvements are essential, leadership initiatives, mentorship roles, and contributions to a positive work culture also play a role in salary decisions. Employers assess both hard and soft skills when evaluating raises, so be sure to highlight any additional responsibilities you’ve taken on or soft skills you’ve developed.
Develop a list of accomplishments and company impact
Aligning your contributions with company goals strengthens your case. If your work has improved efficiency, enhanced customer satisfaction, or led to innovation, emphasize how these achievements support the company’s success. It will showcase that your hard work aligning with the company's culture should be valued. Demonstrating that your efforts align with corporate objectives will reinforce the value you bring to the organization.
What to say when you ask for a raise
When asking for a raise, clarity, professionalism, and confidence are key. Start by expressing appreciation for your role and the opportunities you’ve had within the company. Then, present your case by outlining your accomplishments, additional responsibilities, and measurable contributions that justify a salary increase. Being direct and well-prepared sets the tone for a productive conversation.
It’s also essential to anticipate potential questions or concerns from your manager and be ready with responses. If your employer asks why you believe a raise is justified, reinforce your achievements with data and highlight how your work has positively impacted the company. If the conversation shifts toward budget limitations or timing concerns, ask what steps you can take to be considered for a raise in the future. Keeping the discussion professional and solutions-focused will demonstrate your commitment to both your own growth and the success of the company.
Know what to say if the answer is “yes”, “no” or “maybe”
If the answer is yes, express gratitude, thank your manager for recognizing your contributions, and reaffirm your commitment to the company. It’s also advisable to request written confirmation of the salary adjustment to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings in the future.
If the answer is no, handle the situation gracefully and seek feedback. Ask your manager what improvements or milestones would strengthen your case for a future raise. If a salary increase is not possible due to budget constraints, consider negotiating alternative benefits or professional development support. Regardless of the outcome, maintaining a professional and positive attitude keeps the door open for future salary discussions and career growth opportunities.
If the response is maybe, stay patient and proactive. Politely ask when a final decision will be made and whether there are specific benchmarks or performance goals you need to meet. Some companies have structured review cycles, meaning your request may be considered at a later time. In such cases, request a follow-up meeting to revisit the conversation and ensure that your request remains on the table. Demonstrating persistence and professionalism will show your employer that you are serious about your value within the company.
Consider the benefits you want
In addition to base salary, it’s important to assess total compensation, including bonuses, stock options, paid time off, and professional development opportunities: like a better position or job title. Some companies may offer lower salaries but compensate with additional perks.
What not to say when asking for a raise
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“I Deserve a Raise” Simply stating you "deserve" a raise isn’t enough—you need to provide clear evidence of your contributions and impact.
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“I’m Overdue for a Raise” Raises are based on performance and business needs, not just time spent at the company. Make your case with accomplishments.
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“My Coworkers Make More Than Me” Comparing yourself to others can backfire. Focus on your own value and achievements instead.
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“I Need a Raise to Match My Cost of Living” Employers base raises on performance, not personal expenses. Highlight your contributions rather than financial needs.
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“Why Didn’t I Get a Raise?” This can sound accusatory. Instead, ask for feedback on what you can do to earn a raise in the future.
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“If I Don’t Get a Raise, I’m Leaving” Issuing ultimatums can strain your relationship with your employer. If you're considering leaving, have a backup plan first.
Frequently asked questions on how to ask for a raise
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How much of a raise should I ask for? Typically, 3-5% is standard, while 10-20% may be reasonable if you’ve taken on significant new responsibilities.
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Should I consider external offers before asking for a raise? It can be a useful benchmark, but don’t use it as a direct threat—present it as market research instead.
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What is a reasonable raise to ask for? It depends on your industry, company performance, and your achievements—research salary trends before deciding.
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How do you ask for a raise in person example? “I’d love to discuss my performance and how my contributions have impacted the company. I believe a salary adjustment is warranted based on X, Y, and Z.”
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Is it better to ask for a raise in person? Yes, an in-person or video conversation allows for a more engaging discussion and immediate feedback.
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How do you professionally ask for a raise via email? Keep it concise: request a meeting, outline key achievements, and express your interest in discussing compensation.
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How do you professionally say that you are underpaid? “Based on my research and contributions, my current salary is below market value. I’d like to discuss a potential adjustment.”
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How to ask for a raise when you are underpaid sample? “I’ve taken on additional responsibilities and contributed significantly to [specific results]. Based on market data, I’d like to discuss a salary adjustment to reflect my impact.”
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Is it okay to ask for a pay rise after a year? Yes, if you have demonstrated growth, taken on more responsibilities, or contributed significantly to the company. Many employers review salaries annually, so it’s a reasonable timeframe.
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How to ask for a salary raise after 1 year? “Over the past year, I’ve taken on [specific responsibilities] and contributed to [specific achievements]. I’d love to discuss how my performance aligns with a potential salary adjustment.”