Asking for more money at work is a normal part of your career growth. You deserve fair pay for your hard work. You can boost your chances of success by preparing and practicing what to say. This helps you feel more confident when you talk to your boss.
In this article, we’ll look at some useful phrases you can use when asking for a raise. These examples will help you sound professional and make a strong case for yourself.
Understanding Salary Negotiation
Let’s look at the basics of salary talks and how to figure out what you’re worth.
The Basics of Salary Negotiation
Salary negotiation is a back-and-forth talk between you and your boss about pay. It’s normal and expected in most jobs.
To get ready, you can:
- Practice what you’ll say
- Pick a good time to talk
- Know your job’s value
- Be ready to explain why you deserve more money
Knowing Your Worth: Market Rate and Salary Range
Before you ask for more money, you need to know what you should be paid. This is called your market rate. (It’s what other people in similar jobs make.)
You can find your market rate by:
- Looking at job websites
- Talking to coworkers
- Checking with professional groups
Your salary range is the low and high end of what you might earn. It gives you room to negotiate. For example, if jobs like yours pay $50,000 to $70,000, that’s your range.
When you talk about money, aim high in your range. This gives you room to go down if needed. You might say, “Based on my research, I was thinking of a salary in the $65,000 to $70,000 range.”
Preparing to Ask for More Money
1. Documenting Recent Accomplishments
Focus on your achievements from the past 6-12 months. You can make a list of your top 5-10 accomplishments during this time. Be specific about how your work has helped the company. Did you save money? Improve a process? Bring in new clients?
Note down numbers and facts when possible. For instance, “Increased sales by 15% in Q3” is more impactful than just saying you improved sales.
You could prepare some brief stories about these accomplishments. Practice telling these stories in a clear, concise way. For example: “I led the team that launched our new product line, which brought in $500,000 in its first quarter.”
2. Understanding Your Compensation Package
Know the details of your current pay and benefits. You can review your salary, bonuses, health insurance, retirement plans, and any other perks. This knowledge will help you compare your package to industry standards and understand what you’re really earning.
You might want to research salary ranges for your role in your area. Websites like Glassdoor or Payscale can give you an idea of what others in similar positions earn. This info will help you set a realistic goal for your raise request.
3. Identifying Relevant Skills and Professional Development
List the skills you’ve gained or improved recently. You can include both hard skills (like learning a new software) and soft skills (like becoming a better team leader). Think about how these skills make you more valuable to your company.
You could also note any training, certifications, or education you’ve completed. For example: “I earned a Project Management certification, which has helped me lead our team more effectively.” You can also mention any industry events or conferences you’ve attended to stay up-to-date in your field.
Effective Negotiation Strategies
Preparation is key when asking for a raise. Research typical pay for your role and industry. Make a list of your achievements and how they’ve helped the company.
You can start the talk on a positive note. For example: “I’m excited about my future here and want to discuss my compensation.”
Being Specific in Your Request
When asking for a raise, use clear numbers. Instead of saying “I want a raise,” you could say, “I’m seeking a 10% increase.”
Back up your request with facts. For example: “In the past year, I’ve increased sales by 15% and brought in three new major clients.”
Or, you could say, “My skills have grown, and I’ve taken on more duties. I believe my pay should reflect that.”
Another example: “The average salary for my role has gone up 5% this year.”
If times are tough, you could ask about other benefits. You might say, “If a raise isn’t possible right now, could we discuss extra vacation days or flexible hours?”
Be open to future talks if you don’t get what you want right away. For example: “I understand if now isn’t the right time. Can we set a date to revisit this in three months?”
Enhancing Your Argument
You can talk about how your work improves the company and your own life. For instance, you might say, “My project management skills have helped us finish tasks ahead of schedule.”
Think about your growth too. You could mention, “I’ve taken on extra responsibilities like leading team meetings.” Or, “I’ve learned new skills that directly benefit our department.”
Don’t shy away from discussing your needs. You might say, “An increase would allow me to focus more on my work without financial stress.”
Examples
- “I’ve taken on additional duties.”
- “My role has expanded beyond my initial job description.”
- “My contributions have directly impacted our bottom line.”
- “My work has resulted in cost savings for the company.”
- “I’ve received positive feedback from clients and coworkers.”
- “I’ve shown initiative by starting new projects.”
- “My skills have grown significantly since my last review.”
- “I’ve become a go-to person for solving problems in our team.”
- “I’ve improved efficiency in our department.”
- “My ideas have led to new revenue streams.”
- “I’ve mentored junior staff members.”
- “I’ve represented the company at industry events.”
- “I’ve maintained a perfect attendance record.”
- “I’ve consistently delivered high-quality work.”
- “I’ve adapted quickly to new technologies and processes.”
- “I’ve contributed to a positive work environment.”
- “I’ve helped improve our team’s productivity.”
- “I’ve taken on leadership roles in group projects.”
- “I’ve received recognition from senior management for my work.”
Navigating Post-Negotiation Steps
It’s usually a good idea to follow up after the meeting. You could send an email saying, “Thank you for discussing my compensation. I look forward to your decision.”
Set a timeline for the next steps. You can ask, “When can I expect to hear back about our discussion?” or “What’s our plan to review this in 6 months?”
Stay positive and professional throughout the process. Even if you don’t get everything you want, you’ve shown your value and opened the door for future talks.