Many people are in serious need of a raise with inflation on the rise. As awkward as these conversations can be, they’re completely necessary. Prepare yourself the best you can by utilizing these tips to ask for a raise.
Focus on the Data/Numbers
Before you ask for a raise, you need to do a little bit of research on yourself. Figure out all of the data- based and numerical ways in which you have added value to the company. Make a list of all your past achievements and recent accomplishments. List the ways that your company has directly benefited from your work. Additionally, if you’ve received any positive customer feedback regarding your job performance, include that in your pitch as well. Once you have this information, you’ll have a really good foundation in which to base your request for a raise. When you have physical, undeniable proof that you’re doing an amazing job, it will be a lot harder for your boss to deny an increase in pay.
Ask for a Specific Number
When going into a raise negotiation, it’s important to have a specific number in mind. However, you’ll have to do a little research before you come up with your number. An article written for careercontessa.com explains, “They’re going to ask what salary you want and you need to have an answer. That number should be based on real research (try The Salary Project™ or one of the other salary research tools) or, even better, you can ask your peers in similar roles and companies how much they make. Don’t ask just one person. Try to understand the entire salary compensation of five people—men and women—and industry standards. We know it’s weird to ask people about money but going straight to the source is really important for making an informed Ask.”
Put Yourself in your Boss’ Shoes
In order to be successful in asking for a raise, you first need to put yourself in your boss’ shoes. Think about why your boss would want to give you a raise. What would motivate them to increase your pay? Give these questions some serious thought before you start practicing your pitch. Once you feel like you have really good answers, you can begin to frame your talking points to highlight compelling reasons for getting a raise.
Practice Asking
You need to practice being confident but also humble. You want to appear calm, cool and collected. Run through some possible conversations in which you are asking for a raise with a friend or family member. It might be helpful for you to record the conversation so you can play it back and make adjustments as needed.
If you feel as though you’re in a never ending cycle of living paycheck to paycheck, it’s time to be bold. Create a pitch that’s so good, your boss will have no choice but to give you a raise.
