Here's When to Ask for a Raise (Tips for Asking)

Here's exactly when to ask for a raise at your job. Your remuneration should improve as you advance in your profession. While your employer may know when it is appropriate to offer you a raise, you may choose to take the initiative and request one. Knowing how frequently you should receive a raise will help you evaluate when the moment is opportune to request one.

When to ask for a raise vs. when to wait

If you are anticipating a performance review in the near future, it may be prudent to defer your request for a raise until then. Your boss will discuss your employment with the organization during your performance evaluation. They will offer constructive feedback in order to assist you in growing within your job. At the conclusion of the conversation, your boss should bring up the subject of a raise.

If you believe you are deserving of a raise and they do not mention it, it is time to inquire. Prepare for your review in advance to ensure that you are prepared if they do not offer you a raise first. Prepare a list of your accomplishments to demonstrate your worth to the business. If possible, quantify your accomplishments. For instance, quantify your gain in customer satisfaction using a percentage.

Justifications for a raise request

When discussing increased remuneration with your employer, you should be prepared to provide several compelling reasons why they should grant you a raise, including the following:

You now bear more duties

As you advance within a firm, you are likely to be given more complex tasks or obligations than when you first started. Eventually, you should be compensated more if you advance to a higher-level position.

You've been promoted

Before accepting a promotion, ensure that the new employment will pay you more. Without a compensation rise, you may find yourself performing additional labor for the same income.

You've been employed by the company for some time

Employers must provide competitive wages to retain employees. As the expense of living continues to rise, your remuneration should follow up. Your company should evaluate the market rate for someone in your position on a regular basis and modify your wage accordingly.

When to ask for a raise

Here's exactly when to ask for a raise.

A strong quarter or year with the company

When your business is successful, your chances of success increase significantly. When revenues are increasing, managers frequently have more money available to reward their staff, particularly their best achievers.

A great performance review

A simple indication of when to request a raise is following a favorable employee evaluation. Numerous firms link pay increases to performance assessments, which makes sense—employees who perform well should be rewarded for their efforts. Therefore, if you have received a favorable performance evaluation, now is an appropriate moment to request further compensation.

Achieved a significant goal

One of the most effective methods for determining whether to request a raise? Consider your recent victories. Solicit a raise immediately following the achievement of a job objective. For instance, if you've quadrupled your monthly sales target, inform your supervisor. Additionally, if feasible, quantify your accomplishments. ("The new tracking system I developed increased output by 25%.")

After online research, discovering you are underpaid

It's critical to understand what other individuals in your position make, since you should always be compensated fairly. Utilize Monster's Salary Tools to determine your market worth. Additionally, you may speak with recruiters and use the US Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook to determine the average salary for workers with your credentials. Bear in mind that your geographic location and amount of expertise may have an effect on your income potential.

You have additional job duties

If you have a track record of doing excellent work, your employer may opt to give you additional responsibilities. Taking on additional work might be beneficial if you're seeking a raise, but you must argue for yourself. It's improbable that someone will just offer you additional money and more job responsibilities.

Received a job offer from another company

Possessing an offer letter from another employer might provide you with power. Why? Because it provides an excuse for your boss to ask her superior to approve your increase request. After all, managers will go to great lengths to retain people when the going gets tough. This is largely due to the high cost of turnover: Replacement expenses, according to the Society for Human Resource Management, are approximately one-third of an employee's yearly compensation.

Celebrating a one-year anniversary

Your one-year anniversary is a significant milestone, especially if this is your first yearly review with your firm. Assuming you've performed admirably over the last year, you're in a strong position to request a wage increase. If you've built great relationships with your peers, having their support can provide you with additional bargaining leverage.

You've been promoted

While this may seem self-evident, some organizations do attempt to promote people without increasing their compensation. Therefore, make sure to inquire with your manager whether your new and improved title is accompanied with a new and improved payment.

How frequently should you request a raise?

If you've recently begun a job, wait at least six months before requesting a raise. Most employers will offer you a raise if you have worked for them for at least a year. If you have worked for the firm for a number of years, you may inquire once a year. If your employer intends to discuss your remuneration during a performance review, this "regulation" may be different. If this is the case, prepare your talking points in advance of the discussion to maximize your advantage.

Tips for requesting a raise

Prior to requesting a raise, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of receiving one. Employers may be more receptive to giving you a raise if they believe you have a compelling justification.

Here are some suggestions for requesting a raise:

• Wait at the appropriate moment.
• Submit an application for a promotion.
• Be aware of your telephone number.
• Make an enticing case.
• Demonstrate your worth before you ask.
• Maintain a cheerful tone of voice.
• Wait for the appropriate moment.

Timing is critical when requesting a raise. One of the finest times to inquire is immediately following the completion of a project or acknowledgment for an accomplishment at work. This keeps your employer's memory of your efforts fresh.

Another appropriate time to have a discussion concerning your remuneration is during a period of financial success for the firm. For instance, if your firm has launched a new product or secured a new customer, your boss may feel more comfortable granting you a raise due to the increased income.

Wait for an opportunity to speak with your boss. Select a time when they are not busy or schedule your meeting far in advance to avoid your boss feeling pressed for time to make a choice. If you suggest you'd want to meet to discuss your position, they're likely to presume you're referring to remuneration.

Submit an application for promotion

Typically, more compensation entails increased responsibility. If you are willing to take on additional responsibilities at work, speak with your boss about possible promotion chances. This is an effective technique to demonstrate to your employer that you are prepared to contribute more to the firm. If you are promoted, you can negotiate your wage prior to taking the new position.

Know your raise request number

Conduct research before to requesting a raise. Determine the average salary for individuals in your position. Calculate how much more you should make based on your industry, geography, and experience. Choose the appropriate quantity based on your study. Then consider the smallest amount you would be content with. If your company does not offer you a raise, you should continue to work diligently in your current job. They may finally grant you one if they notice your increased effort.

Create a persuasive argument

Your employer will want to hear why you are deserving of a raise. Consider the skills you acquired and the responsibilities you assumed throughout your work. Explain to them that your work description has changed and that you feel prepared to take the next step in your career.

Demonstrate your worth prior to requesting

By demonstrating your employee worth, you may convince your employer to offer you a raise. This may include consistently arriving on time or early for work, offering to perform more work, or demonstrating a desire in learning a new skill. Additionally, you may volunteer to lead initiatives or make a greater effort to brainstorm novel ideas.

Be clear and respectful with your request

During your discussion, focus on your successes and worth as an employee while justifying your request for a raise. By focusing on positive, fact-based justifications for a raise, you can increase your manager's likelihood of agreeing to the request.

Common FAQ's

Questions from employees and job seekers.

Is it beneficial to consult a career coach when looking to discuss salary with a current or new employer?

Yes. Though, there are many free resources available on the internet to help guide the discussion with a manager or new company.

When should I ask for a 10% raise?

When you are seeking a new job. When negotiating a wage for a new position or a job at a new firm, the conventional guideline is to ask for 10% to 20% more than your present income.

Is it unprofessional to ask for a raise?

It is not unprofessional to ask for more money. In fact, an employee should be setting a salary increase target during annual reviews or performance reviews with the manager. Review the original job description for the job (when the job offer was made). And see whether the current duties exceed the current duties.

What is the most common raise percentage to ask for?

Asking for a pay increase can be stressful. The most common pay increase request is anywhere from 8% to 12% of your current company salary. Salary increases happen on an annual basis and should be reviewed when there is a significant achievement made by the employee.

What if I'm doing my job well, should I get a raise?

Bear in mind that just performing the duties outlined in your job description does not qualify you for a raise. Managers are on the lookout for workers who go above and beyond the call of duty in terms of effort and production. Keep track of the things you've accomplished that your manager appreciates and so help them appear good as well.