Talking about money at work can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. Asking for a raise is a completely normal part of professional life, and when done the right way, it shows that you value your contributions and are invested in your career. In this guide, you’ll learn how to approach this conversation with preparation, confidence, and professionalism.
Understand the Right Timing
Timing is one of the most overlooked aspects of asking for a raise. Bringing it up at the wrong time—like during a stressful project or when the company is cutting costs—can hurt your chances.
Ideal times to ask for a raise:
- During a performance review.
- After completing a big project successfully.
- When taking on new responsibilities or roles.
- After a year or more in the same position with consistent performance.
Stay attuned to your company’s financial health and team morale before initiating the conversation.
Do Your Market Research
Before you ask for a raise, know your worth. Research industry salary benchmarks based on your:
- Job title
- Location
- Years of experience
- Skills and certifications
Useful platforms for salary insights:
- Glassdoor
- PayScale
- LinkedIn Salary
- Levels.fyi (for tech roles)
Bring data to the table. This positions your request as fair and informed—not random or emotional.
Document Your Achievements
Confidence comes from preparation. Make a list of your contributions, accomplishments, and metrics that demonstrate your value.
Consider including:
- Completed projects and the outcomes.
- Money saved or earned for the company.
- Positive feedback from clients or team members.
- New skills or certifications acquired.
Create a document that you can share during the conversation or use as a reference.
Practice the Conversation
Rehearse what you’ll say before entering the meeting. This helps you sound natural and confident, even if you’re nervous.
Structure your pitch like this:
- Start positive: “I really enjoy working here and I’m proud of the work I’ve been doing.”
- State your case: “Over the past year, I’ve taken on new responsibilities and delivered strong results.”
- Present your ask: “Based on my performance and market data, I’d like to discuss the possibility of a raise to [$X].”
Practice with a trusted friend or in front of a mirror.
Keep the Tone Professional
This is a business conversation—not a personal one. Avoid making it about your personal needs or financial situation.
DO say:
“I’ve contributed significantly to team goals, and I believe my compensation should reflect that.”
DON’T say:
“My rent went up and I really need more money.”
Focus on your impact, not your expenses.
Prepare for Pushback or Delay
Your manager might not say yes immediately—and that’s okay. Be ready for responses like:
- “It’s not in the budget right now.”
- “Let’s revisit this in six months.”
- “I need to check with HR.”
Have a plan:
- Ask what specific goals you need to meet for a raise.
- Request a timeline for revisiting the conversation.
- Stay professional, regardless of the outcome.
Even if the answer is “not now,” you’ve taken a critical step by advocating for yourself.
Know Your Alternatives
If you consistently receive pushback with no clear reasoning or path forward, it may be time to evaluate other opportunities.
Asking for a raise is also about assessing whether you’re valued where you are. Sometimes, the best career move is finding a company that compensates you fairly.
But remember: Use this only as a last resort, not as a threat during negotiations.
Follow Up in Writing
After the conversation, send a professional follow-up email summarizing:
- What was discussed.
- Any agreed-upon next steps.
- The timeline for follow-up.
This creates a record and shows professionalism and commitment.
Final Words: Advocate for Your Value
Asking for a raise isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. It demonstrates self-awareness, professionalism, and the courage to advocate for what you’ve earned.
The key is preparation. Know your value, practice your message, and approach the conversation with respect and clarity. Whether you get the raise or set the stage for one in the future, you’ve already taken a huge step in your professional growth.