How can I ask for a pay rise?

Asking for a pay rise can be a difficult and sensitive topic, but it is important to approach it in a professional and confident manner. It's best to schedule a meeting with your supervisor or manager in advance, and come prepared with evidence of your contributions to the company and how they align with the company's goals. It's also a good idea to research industry standards for your role and to have a specific salary figure in mind.

Timing is also important, consider asking for a pay rise after a successful project completion or after you've been with the company for a certain amount of time. It's also good to ask for a raise when the company is doing well financially.

Pre-warn your manager and maybe send an agenda ahead of the meeting. Sally Bibb, author of The Strengths Book: Discover How to Be Fulfilled in Your Work says, "If you surprise them he/she might give a knee-jerk reaction and say ‘no’".

So how do you actually ask?

When meeting with your manager to discuss a pay rise, it is important to be prepared and clear on what you want the outcome of the conversation to be. Here are some key points to include in your conversation:

1. Start by highlighting your contributions to the company and how they align with the company's goals. Provide specific examples of your achievements and how they have benefited the company.
2. Research industry standards for your role and have a specific salary figure in mind. Be prepared to explain why your current salary should be increased to match or exceed those standards.
3. Be honest and express your reasons for wanting a pay rise, whether it be to meet your financial needs, align your salary with your experience and qualifications, or to reflect your value to the company.
4. Show appreciation for the company, demonstrate that you are invested in the company's success and that you are committed to continuing your contributions to the company.
5. Be open to discussing a plan or a timeline for achieving a pay increase and be prepared to negotiate. Be flexible and willing to consider alternative forms of compensation such as bonuses, additional benefits or flexible working arrangements.
6. End by thanking the manager for considering your request and for the opportunity to discuss it further.

Remember, the key is to be professional, confident and well-prepared.

If you would like further help there is a 'Pay Rise Conversation Plan' template with an example conversation in the Library to help you work out what you want to say.

We wish you well in your conversations. Let us know how you get on.

Sign up for free membership to our Career and Confidence Club or head over to our Coaching Services page for more information on how we can help you in your career.

Joanne and Maggie