Asking for a raise can feel uncomfortable, you think you deserve to be paid more, but you don’t want to seem ungrateful or greedy by asking for a raise. Waiting around for your boss to offer a raise or salary increase can sometimes work out, but oftentimes they may still be underpaying you. So, how do you navigate asking your boss/employer for a raise? Well, here are a few tips to help you advocate for what you deserve.
Before getting into it all, it’s important to know that it is completely normal to ask for a raise. Whatever job or career you’re in, your employer is paying you for your work contributions. If you believe (and have researched) that your work is currently being undervalued, it is completely reasonable and acceptable to ask for that raise so that you and your contributions are accurately valued!
Going off of that, it is important to do some research and make sure that when you’re asking for a raise, you’re not asking for something unreasonable. Make sure you understand what other jobs are offering and what is fair for you to ask for. Now, onto the tips.
Before the interview
- Wait for a good time to ask.
- Try not to ambush your boss if, for instance, there are budget cuts to be made. Instead, schedule some time to chat about discussing a raise when you have accomplished something, and your boss seems pleased with your contributions.
- Additionally, try not to ask for raises frequently. If you just earned a raise a month ago, try waiting around a year to renegotiate your contract.
- Research, research, research!
- Research how much the average person in your position makes, but make sure that you keep in mind the industry you’re in, the size of your company, and the amount of time and effort you put into your work as well.
- Prepare talking points
- You want to emphasize the contributions you’ve made as an employee and why you have earned this raise.
During the interview
- Be confident!
- You’ve done the research and you know you are deserving of this raise — believe in yourself.
- Stay professional.
- Whether the answer is yes, no, or maybe, you don’t want to appear unprofessional or undeserving of the raise no matter the outcome.
- Ask questions.
- If the answer is no, ask what you can do to earn the raise if it is in your control. Use this time to grow as an employee!
Asking for a raise can be intimidating but remain an advocate for yourself. If you believe you are being underpaid, asking for a raise is the next step in building a career where you feel valued. For additional employment assistance, Mary Rigg is here to help!
If you’d like to learn more about the resources Mary Rigg may have to help you, connect with someone on our Employment Enrichment services team by calling 317-639-6106.