How to Ask for a Raise—and Get it!

Let’s be honest; asking for a raise can feel a little awkward at best, and daunting at worst. Even if you’ve been crushing your goals, leading projects like a boss, and making your team look good, the idea of sitting down and saying, “Hey, I think I deserve more money,” can be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. In fact, asking for a raise is not just about money. It’s about recognizing your value and communicating it clearly.

So, if you’re ready to make your move, here’s a proven guide from career experts who’ve helped countless pros ask for—and nail—the raise they deserve. Just follow these seven tips and tricks to help you get recognized and also rewarded for your hard work.

1. Pick the Right Time

Timing really is everything. The best time to ask for a raise is when:

• You’ve just wrapped a big project or hit a major milestone, or you’ve taken on new responsibilities outside of your original job scope.

• Your annual or semi-annual performance review is coming up.

• The company is doing well financially (check for good quarterly results, new business wins, etc.).

  
  

Avoid asking during budget cuts, layoffs, or right after your manager just got out of a long meeting. Be strategic, your timing can shape the tone of the conversation.

2. Do Your Homework

Before you talk numbers, you need to know what’s realistic. You should:

• Explore tools like Glassdoor, Payscale, or the Bureau of Labor Statistics to research what professionals in similar roles earn, factoring in your location, experience, and skills.

• Learn about your company’s internal pay structure or salary bands to understand how your request fits within their system.

• Find out if your company emphasizes base pay, bonuses, or equity to align your request with their compensation philosophy.

  
  

From there, come up with a reasonable salary range and aim for the higher end. Why? Because it gives you room to negotiate while still landing at a number you’ll be happy with.

3. Boast about your Impact

This is not the time to be humble. Make a list of everything you’ve done in the past 6–12 months that has helped your team or company succeed. Think about:

• Projects you’ve completed or processes you’ve created.

• Money you’ve helped save or revenue you’ve generated.

• Positive feedback you’ve received from clients, colleagues, or managers.

  
  

Back it up with numbers where possible: “I helped streamline the reporting process, reducing monthly close time by 20%” sounds better than “I improved reports.” You want to walk into that meeting ready to confidently say, “Here’s how I’ve added value.”

4. Prep Like It’s a Presentation

You don’t need a PowerPoint or Canva presentation, but you do need a game plan.

• Practice how you’ll open the conversation: Something like, “I’d love to schedule a time to discuss my compensation based on the growth in my role and contributions I've made over the past year.”

• Anticipate questions your manager might ask, such as:

  • “Why do you believe now is the right time?”

  • “Can you share specific examples of your impact?”

  • “What salary are you looking for?”

• Stay calm, confident, and professional.

  
  

After all, you’re asking for, not demanding a raise. You’re advocating for yourself and you’re bringing receipts.

5. Be Ready to Negotiate

Even if your manager agrees with your “ask” in principle, the final number may require some back-and-forth.

• Know your bottom line: the lowest number that you’d still feel respected and motivated by.

• Be open to non-salary perks too: extra PTO, a bonus, flexible work schedule to promote work-life balance, or a future raise date if the budget doesn’t allow one now.

• Don’t be afraid of a pause. It’s okay to say, “Let me think about it and get back to you tomorrow,” if they make an offer on the spot.

  
  

Remember, salary negotiation is normal. It shows you’re thoughtful, professional, and aware of your value.

6. Follow Up in Writing

Once the meeting is over, whether you got an immediate “yes,” a “let me check with HR,” or a “not right now,” follow up with a quick thank you email:

• Summarize your conversation and reiterate your excitement about your role.

• Restate your request in writing (especially if they asked for time to consider).

• Thank them for their time and consideration.

  
  

This shows you’re organized and serious about your job and your salary as well as keeps a formal record of the request.

7. Ask for a Roadmap

If your manager says the raise isn’t possible right now, ask for specifics:

• “What would I need to accomplish to be considered for a raise in the next 3–6 months?”

• “Are there any skill gaps or performance areas I should focus on to strengthen my case?”

• “Can we set a time to revisit this discussion?”

  
  

Then, write it down, hit those goals, and follow up.

Final Thoughts

Asking for a raise isn’t just about the money. It’s about knowing your worth, advocating for yourself, and building a career where you feel valued and fairly compensated.

The key? Preparation, timing, and confidence. You’re not being greedy, you’re being professional. And you’re investing in your future.

So, take a deep breath, do the prep work, and go get the raise you deserve.