How to ask for a raise?

By: Caleb Catlett

Let me lay out a scenario for you. You've had a strong quarter, worked hard every hour of your week and you have a performance review right around the corner. You start thinking about how well you've done and you're confident that you deserve a raise. But don't know how to start that conversation. Totally understandable. It's awkward, and the fear of rejection is common. That's why most people don't ask for raises and wait for long terms at companies after 10 to 20 years of pay increases. But here's the issue, bosses want to keep valuable employees, they want to make sure their employees feel valued and appreciated especially within a healthy culture. Therefore, if you've earned a raise they want to give it to you. I will provide you some tips as to how to go about it.

1) Focus on why you deserve it, not why you need it

First things first, one must understand that raises are earned not given. Any good boss will see the output from the employee and will monitor their work naturally. But, if you can present an argument as to why you deserve a raise based on performance, the conversation becomes more objective and removes the personal aspect of the conversation off to the side. By showing your employer you can recognize your value and contribution to the operation becomes a question of validation if the work is indeed needing of an increase in compensation or rather the work is not substantial enough for a pay increase. This is why it is advantageous to discuss asking for a raise in a performance review because it is relevant to the subject manner and improves your chances of rationalizing a raise when discussing it face to face.

2) Start on a good note/Discuss the future

Everyone hates small talk. It's a bland conversation with limited depth and it also provides little room for building a quality conversation based on generic common questions. Here's what you should do instead, at the start of the interview, take time to ask how the boss's day is going and be polite. Be grateful for the meeting and try and be as considerate of their time as much as possible. Begin discussing your recent accomplishments or congratulating the boss on the success of the firm recently. This puts the conversation into a shift regarding the quality of work being done and sets a pleasant tone. One important thing to add is to try and transition the conversation into the future regarding yourself and the business. If there is a long term future with you and this company, that needs to be established. It's more appealing to give a raise to a future long-tenured employee than a short term employee who will try and get as much money as possible and then leave for another opportunity. Remember loyalty is very important when discussing the increase in compensation with the business.

3)Present your value but be realistic

It can be tricky when discussing your performance with your boss in trying to Up-Sell your value to the company. Prior to the meeting you should analyze all of your strong points and figure out what value you bring to your firm every day you clock in. Find what makes you irreplaceable. This, however, is where it's very tricky because if you over exaggerate your value it will create a negative interaction with your boss. So, be realistic about your value and portray it in a way the provides incentives to keep a valuable employee happy and properly compensated.

4) Know the right time

First things first, if you're an employee who randomly asks for a raise every month.....This is for you. Raises are given out after probationary periods and time committed to the firm. After it has passed, and with typical performance reviews/evaluations the employer will have a better understanding of the financial situation of the business and if it is reasonable to give out raises. That is why it is wise to ask for raises usually at the end of a big quarter or after a big performance review. It needs to be in an advantageous position for the company where it's affordable to increase an employees salary.

Here are a few extra links for advice on asking for a raise

https://www.forbes.com/sites/elanagross/2016/06/27/8-managers-share-the-best-way-to-ask-for-a-raise-and-get-it/#216c940a74ff

https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/how-to-ask-for-a-raise/

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-do-s-and-don-ts-for-asking-for-a-raise-2062774

https://www.salary.com/articles/9-things-never-say-ask-for-raise/

With this advice, you should be fully prepared to ask for a raise