Asking for more money can feel terrifying—your palms sweat, your heart races, and suddenly you’re wondering if you should just “wait for them to notice your hard work.” But here’s the truth: Most employers won’t offer a raise unless you ask. The key? Preparation, timing, and confidence. Here’s your step-by-step guide to getting the salary you deserve—without the awkwardness.
Step 1: Know Your Worth (Do the Homework)
Before you even schedule the conversation, research your market value:
✔ Check salary ranges on Glassdoor, Payscale, or LinkedIn Salary for your role/experience.
✔ Note any extra responsibilities you’ve taken on beyond your job description.
✔ Gather specific wins (increased sales, saved costs, led projects).
💡 Pro Tip: If your company uses performance metrics, highlight how you’ve exceeded them.
Step 2: Pick the Right Time
⏰ Good Timing:
- After a big win or positive performance review
- During budget planning season (often Q1 or Q4)
- When your manager seems relaxed (not during a crisis)
🚫 Bad Timing:
- Right after layoffs or bad company news
- When your boss is visibly stressed
Step 3: Script the Conversation (So You Don’t Freeze)
A simple, confident framework:
“I’ve really enjoyed contributing to [specific project/achievement], and I’m proud of how my work has helped [team/company goal]. Based on my research and the additional responsibilities I’ve taken on, I was hoping to discuss adjusting my salary to reflect my current role. Would now be a good time to talk about this?”
💬 Keep it:
✅ Professional (focus on value, not personal needs)
✅ Open-ended (invites dialogue, not demands)
Step 4: Prepare for Responses (No Panic!)
🗣️ If they say YES:
- “Thank you! What would the next steps look like?”
- Have a number in mind (ask for 10-15% more than your target so there’s room to negotiate).
🗣️ If they say NO (but it’s not a hard no):
- “I understand budgets can be tight. Could we revisit this in 3 months?”
- Ask for non-salary perks (remote days, bonus, training budget).
🗣️ If they say NO (with no path forward):
- “I appreciate the feedback. What would it take to get there in the future?”
- Use this info to decide if it’s time to look elsewhere.
Step 5: Follow Up (Politely Persistent Wins)
- If approved: Get the agreement in writing.
- If deferred: Schedule the next check-in before leaving the convo.
- If denied: Update your resume and quietly explore options.
Final Thought: You Deserve This
Asking for a raise isn’t greedy—it’s owning your value. Even if the answer isn’t “yes” today, you’ve planted the seed for future growth. For more career advice, visit Women’s Magazine.
Have you successfully negotiated a raise? Share your tips below! 💼✨ #KnowYourWorth
