How to ask for a raise

I remember the first time I asked for a raise. To be honest, I had no idea how much to ask for, I had just felt like I was being taken advantage of, so I set out to prove myself so I could make a case for more money.

And guess what? I was right. After speaking to specialists in the field, getting advice from HR, and doing my own research, I found I was being severely underpaid and overworked.

I got to work… and by work, I mean building a detailed outline of what it was I wanted. I knew it wasn’t going to happen overnight, but I also knew that something had to change and if it didn’t, I was out the door. You see, I loved my job and really wanted to keep it, but unfair treatment wasn’t an option.

I woke up one day realizing that I had been waiting for someone in power to notice the injustice taking place and do something about it.

That day never came and the reality sunk in that the only person that could fight for me was me.

Make the First Move

If there’s one thing you should learn early on it’s this: just because you deserve something doesn’t mean it’s going to be offered to you. This is especially true for women in the workplace. 

If you think you’re doing a good job, you know you’re the right person for the promotion, and you are confident you’ll be able to prove your value, don’t wait around to be noticed. 

I think women especially have a hard time making the first move, but doing so is essential to your career development. So what does it mean to make the first move? If there’s something you want out of your work - a responsibility, promotion, pay increase, or anything else, identify what that is and then go after it.

As much as we like to think that our hard work will result in our boss singing our praises and deciding that we deserve what we want, this is just not how things typically unfold. 

So what’s a girl to do?  Plant that seed and continue to go after what you want, so that when the time comes, there’s no question in their mind what that is.

Here are 6 ways to make the first move and start laying the groundwork for you to reach your highest potential at work.

1. Know what it is you want

This usually goes without saying, but having clarity in your own mind about what it is you want is the foundational stability you need to create and work a plan that will help you get to your goal. So if it’s more money, more respect, a certain job title, or new responsibility you’re hoping to achieve, identify and name that thing.

Oftentimes at work, we get caught up in our own frustration with setbacks and other stressors that can easily cloud our judgment and focus. If you’re navigating some tensions, take some time to self-reflect and make sure you know what it is you want when all is said and done... and why you want it.

When you can identify that clearly, you’ll have a clear goal in mind, and with clarity comes focus… and trust me, you’re going to need that!

2. Be proactive 

So you want a raise? Did a job opening just become available and you have your eyes set on it? There are many things you can do now to be proactive about going after what you want. Start by having open conversations with key leaders about your future goals and be strategic in your work.

Start creating “evidence” that supports what it is you’re going to be asking for. Things that show how you’ve grown in your role, what you’ve done to add value, what new responsibilities you’ve taken on, initiatives you’ve started, or dollars you’ve saved / earned for the company. 

There are many other factors that could play into supporting your ‘ask’ - the point is to make a convincing case for yourself.

3. Do your research

With planning comes research, and this is especially important when asking for more money. Talk to your company's HR department, look up the median wages for your title in your area, factoring in your level of experience and any other specifications you and your organization bring to the table. 

Know when your company does their yearly budget planning and whether or not they have a raise or bonus policy in place. If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you need to find out before asking for money. Timing and knowledge will go a long way in how and when you plead your case and can make all the difference.

4. Make your case

When you’ve done your due diligence of strategically planning, don’t forget to actually bite the bullet and ask for a raise. For most people, this is the hardest part because it requires having a hard conversation, which could result in an answer you don’t like.

Don’t let your fear of confrontation or fear of ‘no’ stop you from having this conversation. If you’ve prepared for it thoroughly, your approach should be well-received and not come as a complete surprise.

5. Be direct

No matter what happens, be direct. Don’t beat around the bush, sugar coat what you’re asking for, or dance around the subject. In fact, you’ll do yourself a favor by rehearsing this conversation out loud many times before the real thing. This will help you formulate what you want to say and make the process a little more straightforward when the time comes and the pressure starts to set in.

Consider writing down some of the main points you want to be sure to address. I don’t recommend writing out what you're wanting to say word for word. You don’t want to go in as if you’ve memorized a script. But DO list out the key topics you want to address or points you want to make so that you can practice freely talking those things out ahead of time.

6. Don’t give up

Try not to have too many expectations when having this kind of conversation - other than an answer. And even this might not come right away. Your request may have to be approved by other departments, it may require a shifting of budget, and it may just need some consideration. Also be open to a potential negotiation or trial period, depending on what you’ve asked for and when.

If you don’t get what you set out for, don’t give up. If you’re in a supportive environment, chances are, your leaders are going to try and do what they can to work with you. If you feel that’s not the case, document your process and consider discussing it with your HR department. 

Your Potential is in Your Hands

Your boss is up against a lot of things you don’t always see - a number of other individuals who need leadership, a budget they oversee, and additional tension from their leaders. Your personal needs and desires aren’t going to be the first thing on their mind, which is why YOU need to plant that seed for them.

Learning how to clearly identify and communicate your needs, doing your research, gathering evidence, and being direct about your expectations will go a long way in establishing your leadership trajectory and will lay a solid foundation for many future advancements.