How to Ask for a Salary Increase?

Whose Responsibility Is It? 🤔

It’s your responsibility to ask for a salary increase, no one will do it for you. I completely understand that the emotional impact of negotiating can be overwhelming for some people, but we must at least learn how to do it.

You might receive a NO, but if you approach it properly, you’ll earn respect. Many people find it difficult to ask for a salary increase, even though they have achieved good results and hold significant value within the company.

The reasons can vary: fear of rejection, lack of preparation, or simply the difficulty of self-promotion. However, knowing how to handle a salary negotiation is an essential skill for professional growth.

The Key Is to Prepare Well

Proper preparation is crucial for success when asking for a raise. This means knowing your results, the market value of your role, and being able to effectively communicate your contribution to the company.

Here are some essential steps to tackle this challenge:

1. Why Do You Want a Higher Salary?‍

Carefully evaluate your contribution. List the projects you’ve worked on, your achievements, and how your work has contributed to the company’s success. The more specific you are, the better you can demonstrate your value. What value is your superior not yet recognizing?

2. Know the Market‍

Research the market value of your role. There are many online resources and industry reports that can help you understand the standard compensation for a position similar to yours. Knowing this data will help you make a realistic request.

3. Don’t Improvise‍

Choose the right moment and give the person you need to talk to a few days’ notice, framing it as “your growth role in the company.” Try to make your request when the company is in good financial condition or after receiving positive feedback on an important project. Avoid times when the company is going through a crisis or your boss is under high stress.

4. Prepare Your Speech, but Don’t Talk About the Salary Increase Right Away‍

Be clear about what you want to ask. Prepare a speech that includes why you believe you deserve a raise, based on your results, skills, and the value you bring to the company. Show what you offer and what you will continue to offer. Avoid basing your request on personal reasons (like financial needs); instead, focus on professional merits.

5. Handle Objections‍

It may happen that your boss is not ready to grant an immediate salary increase. Prepare responses for common objections, such as “there’s no budget right now” or “it’s not the right time.” Try to find out if there are other benefits you can receive, such as more vacation days, a one-time bonus, or the promise to revisit your request later. Remember that a NO is not final: leave the impression that you are valuable to the company, and after reiterating your request a few times, you may see the salary increase.

6. Remember: The Best Way to Earn More Is to Change Employers

If you have other offers, seize them. Being open to new opportunities can lead to higher earnings and improve your professional situation.

7. Stay Calm‍

Negotiation is a dialogue, not a battle. Maintain a professional attitude, be open to compromise, and show that you understand the company’s position. If your request is denied, ask what you can do to earn a raise in the future and create an action plan.

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There's Always Something You Can Do!

In short, we’ve understood that the most important thing is to prepare, be ready, have proposals, and be willing to go the extra mile. If you realize you’re truly underpaid and your work has always been undervalued, it would be unfair to do more without asking for a raise, in that case, the best thing is to try but also start looking elsewhere. 😕

Remember that rejection is not permanent: it could be an opportunity to better understand the company’s expectations and work towards a common goal. Don’t be afraid to stand up for your value: the courage to ask is often the first step toward a more rewarding career!

Good luck from us at Wibo!