You’ve been at your job for awhile, working hard and constantly trying to do your best so your team and employer can succeed. There’s only one problem: you can’t seem to muster up enough courage to ask for the raise you so feel you deserve. It’s a common problem for many: 37% of men and 45% of women say they lack the confidence to ask their boss for a raise, according to data by Comparably.
So how do you do it? How do you ask your boss for a raise?
It may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are five basic tips to keep in mind:
1. Don’t spring the conversation on your manager. You may think that catching your manager off guard is a smart strategy — after all, she won’t be prepared with an excuse for why she can’t give you a raise, right? The truth is, if your boss doesn’t intend to give you a raise, your surprise request won’t help. Set up a designated time to chat: tell your boss you want to discuss compensation at your performance review or at some other fixed point. Give her a chance to compose her thoughts and get in the right mindset.
2. Explain why you’re indispensable. Truth bomb: The people who have leverage aren’t often the first to realize it. Ask yourself: If I were to leave my company tomorrow, would there be any meaningful disruption to the business? Use that leverage in your negotiations. If you can demonstrate how your work supports the company’s most critical initiatives, your employer will see your raise as a no-brainer.
3. Use data to make your case. It’s not enough to say you’re underpaid; you need facts. Use the salary tool on Comparably to find out the market comps for your role given your location, education, years of experience, and company size. All of these factors will help you have an informed discussion with your manager.
4. Keep your personal situation out of it. You may need a raise in order to buy a house or pay off debt but it’s best not to mention those needs to your employer. When companies start pegging compensation to things outside of merit, they veer into dangerous territory. Of course, there are exceptions — for instance, if you have a longer relationship with your employer (five or 10 years) and you’re facing extreme or extraordinary hardship — but the general rule is to keep it professional.
5. Let your employer throw out a number first. Keep your salary expectations vague at the start. You don’t want to box yourself into a specific dollar or percentage increase; your company might value you more than you realize. See what they offer and calibrate from there.
With a little bit of preparation, you can be on your way to earning what you were aiming for — and then some.
