How to Ask for a Pay Rise: A Practical Guide

Talking about money can be uncomfortable, especially when it comes to asking for more of it! But if you feel you’ve earned it, preparing for the conversation can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to help you approach this potentially awkward conversation confidently, increasing your chances of getting the pay rise you’re hoping for.

1. Check the Going Rate for Your Role and Set a Goal

Before diving into the conversation, it’s a good idea to find out what similar roles in your area are paying. Check out salary ranges on sites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, or recent job ads to get a sense of the going rate. Knowing where you stand in the market can help you feel more confident and realistic about what you’re asking for.

If you find that your pay is in line with the average, don’t get discouraged – there may still be a case for a pay rise if you’ve taken on more responsibilities or consistently delivered strong results.

2. Build Your Case with Real Examples

When it comes to asking for a pay rise, it’s all about showing the value you bring to the table. Come prepared with concrete examples of your achievements and contributions. This could include:

Quantifiable achievements: Did you increase sales, cut costs, or improve customer satisfaction scores? Specific metrics make your case more solid.

Extra responsibilities: If you’ve been taking on tasks outside your original job description, that’s definitely worth mentioning. Maybe you’re mentoring others, managing projects, or taking on more leadership tasks.

Initiatives you’ve led: Have you launched a project, improved processes, or come up with ideas that benefited the team? Highlighting your proactive approach is a great way to show your impact.

These specifics make it easier for your manager to understand why you deserve a pay rise and make it clear that this isn’t just about tenure or working hard – you’re adding real value to the company.

3. Pick the Right Time to Talk

Timing is key when asking for a pay rise. If your company does annual performance reviews, that can be a great moment to bring it up. But if you’re asking outside of these times, try to bring it up after a big win or when your contributions are fresh in your manager’s mind.

Be mindful of what’s going on with the company too. If they’ve just gone through budget cuts or are facing financial challenges, it might be better to wait until things are looking up. Once you’re ready, set up a proper meeting to talk about your performance and pay.

4. Keep It Positive and Professional

When it’s time to have the conversation, keep things positive and focus on the impact you’ve made. A great way to start is:

“I’ve really enjoyed contributing to [specific project or goal] and am excited to keep adding value. Given the contributions I’ve made and the responsibilities I’ve taken on, I’d like to talk about adjusting my compensation.”

This way, you’re focusing on what you’ve done rather than making it personal. Avoid phrases like “I deserve this pay rise” or “I need more money,” as they can make the conversation feel less professional and shift away from your actual work.

Stay calm and composed, it’s normal to be nervous, but keeping your cool will help keep the conversation productive. Be open to any questions or feedback, and if your manager needs time to consider your request, ask politely when you can check back in.

5. Consider Alternatives if a Pay Rise Isn’t Possible

Sometimes, even if you’re doing a fantastic job, a pay rise might not be in the budget. If that happens, ask about other options, such as:

Performance-based bonuses: If a pay rise isn’t possible, a bonus tied to specific goals could be an option.

Flexible working arrangements: Remote work or flexible hours could improve your work-life balance.

Professional development: Maybe the company can invest in your growth through training or certifications.

Clear path to promotion: Ask about steps to position yourself for future growth and pay increases.

6. Handle the Outcome Gracefully and Plan Next Steps

Whether the answer is a “yes,” “no,” or “let’s talk later,” always finish on a positive note. Thank your manager for their time and consideration, regardless of the result. If the answer is “not now,” ask if you can revisit the topic in a few months and if there are specific goals you could work on to make a stronger case next time.

If you get the pay rise, express your gratitude and keep delivering quality work—it’s the best way to set yourself up for future growth. If your request is declined, and it’s a pattern despite your efforts, it might be time to consider other options, especially if you’re underpaid compared to the market. Take time to assess your options, and if it feels like there’s limited growth potential, it may be worth exploring opportunities that align with your career and salary goals.

Final Thoughts

Asking for a pay rise can feel nerve-wracking, but with preparation, evidence, and a positive approach, you’re setting yourself up for a productive conversation. It’s all about showing the value you bring to the team. Even if the result isn’t immediate, hopefully you’ll be laying the groundwork for future growth and career opportunities.

If you don’t get the outcome you want, and it’s time to have a look at other roles, feel free to get in touch.

If you want any more help or advice on your job search, take a look at our Candidate Hub which is packed full of useful resources.