How to Ask for a Raise (Step-by-Step Guide)

I know how hard it can be to ask for a raise. It’s one of those things that feels so simple in theory but incredibly nerve-wracking in reality. Maybe you’ve been meaning to ask for months—or even years—but something always holds you back. Maybe you don’t want to seem ungrateful, or you’re worried about hearing “no.”

But here’s the truth: if you’ve been working hard and adding value, it’s completely fair to want your pay to reflect that. And asking for what you deserve doesn’t mean you’re being difficult or demanding—it just means you’re advocating for yourself. You’re allowed to do that.

So, let’s go through this together.

• Introduction

  • Why Asking for a Raise Feels Hard

  • Why You Deserve to Advocate for Yourself

• Preparing for the Conversation

  • Knowing Your Value: What You Bring to the Table

  • Gathering Proof: Performance, Achievements & Market Research

  • Timing It Right: When to Ask for a Raise

• How to Ask for a Raise with Confidence

  • Crafting Your Request: What to Say and How to Say It

  • The Power of Leverage: Why Having Options Matters

  • Avoiding Common Mistakes: What Not to Do

• What to Do If They Say No

  • Asking for a Clear Path to a Future Raise

  • Negotiating Responsibilities to Match Your Pay

  • When to Consider Other Opportunities

• Final Thoughts

  • Why This Conversation is a Win No Matter What

  • Keep Advocating for Yourself & Your Growth

C O N T E N T S

Before you even schedule that conversation, take a moment to really see yourself the way an employer would.

• Have you taken on more responsibilities since you started?

• Have you improved a process, saved the company time, or helped bring in more revenue?

• Have you been consistently reliable, hardworking, and a positive part of the team?

Sometimes, we downplay our own contributions, but they matter. You’re not asking for a favor—you’re simply asking to be compensated fairly for the work you’re already doing.

If it helps, look up salaries for similar roles in your industry. Knowing what others in your position are making can give you confidence in your request. Websites like PayScale and Glassdoor, can help you compare salaries based on experience, location, and industry. This way, you’re not just guessing—you’re coming in with solid data to back up your request

Understand Your Value

Choosing the right moment can make a difference. Ideally, you want to bring this up when:

• The company is doing well financially.

• You’ve just completed a big project or achieved something measurable.

• It’s been a while since your last raise or salary review.

If possible, try to schedule a one-on-one meeting rather than bringing it up unexpectedly. That way, both you and your boss have time to prepare.

Timing Matters

This is where a lot of people get stuck. But remember, this doesn’t have to be an intimidating conversation—it’s just a discussion about your future.

Here’s a simple and respectful way to frame it:

1. Start with gratitude:
   "I really appreciate the opportunities I’ve had here and the support I’ve received."

2. Share your contributions:
   "Over the past [X months/years], I’ve taken on [responsibilities] and helped achieve [specific results]. I’ve really enjoyed growing in this role, and I’d love to talk about adjusting my salary to reflect my contributions."

3. Be direct but open:
   "Based on my research and the value I bring to the team, I’d like to discuss an increase to [specific amount or percentage]. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this."

It’s okay to feel nervous. But the more prepared you are, the easier it will be.

How to Approach the Conversation

Hearing "no" can be discouraging, but it doesn’t mean the conversation is over. If your boss isn’t able to approve a raise right now, you can ask:

• "What steps can I take over the next few months to work toward this?"

• "Is there another time we could revisit this conversation?"

• "Are there any other benefits—like additional training, a title change, or more flexibility—that could be considered?"

Even if you don’t get a raise immediately, showing that you’re proactive and open to feedback can put you in a stronger position for the future.

What If They Say No?

If you’ve consistently performed well and your company isn’t willing to adjust your pay, it’s okay to explore other opportunities. Sometimes, the best way to see your true value is to look at what other companies would be willing to offer you.

But no matter what happens, know this: Asking for a raise isn’t selfish. It’s not demanding. It’s part of growing in your career. And you deserve to be compensated fairly for the work you do.

So take a deep breath, prepare your points, and go for it. You’ve got this!🧡

Keep Your Options Open

Asking for a raise isn’t just about money—it’s about recognizing your worth and having the confidence to advocate for yourself. It’s okay to feel nervous. It’s okay to not get it perfect. What matters is that you take that step.

Even if the answer isn’t what you hoped for, this conversation is a win. It shows that you’re thinking about your growth, that you take your work seriously, and that you’re ready to move forward in your career. And that is something to be proud of.

FINAL THOUGHTS