What I Learned from This Experience
This experience taught me several important lessons about how to ask for a raise at work that I wish I’d known before that uncomfortable meeting:
- In many companies, there is a specific time of the year to get raises, and it’s more difficult to get raises at other times. This was a complete surprise to me. I had no idea that companies had raise cycles and that asking outside of those times is extremely difficult.
- I needed to ask my boss questions and not assume what he meant. When he said no, I immediately created stories in my head about being a terrible employee. If I had asked for clarification right away, I could have saved myself a night of worry and self-doubt.
- I had to ask my boss for specific feedback and work on those areas, and get confirmation that he saw improvement in order to get a great raise. This proactive approach made all the difference. Instead of hoping for a raise, I created a plan with my boss’s input. I made sure to make the changes and follow up with him.
More Mistakes I’ve Seen People Make (Including Me!)
After that first experience, I started researching and learning more about what helps people get great raises and what gets in the way. Now I train and coach people to secure raises and higher starting salaries in their new jobs. Here are the most common mistakes I see:
1. Not Documenting Your Accomplishments
Early in my career, I assumed my boss knew everything I was doing. Wrong! Bosses are busy, and they can’t possibly track every project and success you have. I learned to send weekly or bi-weekly updates of accomplishments, including specific numbers and results. When it was time to talk to my boss, I had the information I needed and used that to put together a summary of my results.
2. Making It About Personal Needs
I once heard someone tell their boss they needed a raise because their rent went up. While that is a problem, it’s not a compelling business reason. Companies give raises based on the value you bring, not your personal expenses. Focus on your contributions and market value instead.
3. Not Practicing the Conversation
The first time I asked for a raise, I hadn’t practiced what I was going to say. I stumbled over my words and forgot some details. I recommend that people practice with a friend, in front of a mirror, or by recording themselves on their phone. Write down your key points and practice until you can say them confidently.
4. Accepting the First No Without Understanding Why
This was my biggest mistake. When my boss said no, I should have immediately asked why and what I could do to get a yes in the future. Don’t let embarrassment stop you from getting valuable information.
5. Waiting Until Your Boss Gives You the Raise Before Talking About Money
By that time, it’s too late to make any changes. Your boss has had to get approval from their boss, HR, and maybe a compensation committee. This has been in the work for months. Even if they agree that you should have a higher raise, they are not going to change it at that time. You may have to wait until the next raise cycle.
What to Do Instead: Your Action Plan for Getting a Raise
Based on my experience and years of coaching others, here are some successful tips for how to ask for a raise at work:
1. Find Out Your Company’s Raise Timeline and Start Working On It Early
Mark your calendar for 3-4 months before that date. That’s when you should start preparing your case. If there is no planned raise time, start working on it now.
Don’t assume that your boss will remember all the great things you’ve done – especially if raise time is only once a year. Create a results file where you document every success, positive feedback, and measurable result. Include the following:
- Projects completed and their impact
- Money saved or revenue generated
- Process improvements you’ve implemented
- Additional responsibilities you’ve taken on
- Positive feedback from clients or colleagues
This information should be shared in weekly or bi-weekly updates with your boss. Summarize it for your raise meeting. Recognize that this is information that can help your boss – they can share it with their manager and colleagues to show how well their team is doing.
2. Research Market Rates
Use sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, Salary, and PayScale to understand what others in similar roles are making. Recognize, though, that companies may have internal salary structures and may not be interested in external comparisons.
3. Schedule a Preliminary Conversation
Schedule time with your boss 2-3 months before raise decisions are made. Say something like, “I’d like to discuss my career growth and compensation. What would I need to accomplish in the next few months to earn a strong raise?”
4. Get Specific Feedback and Act on It
When your boss gives you feedback, write it down and create an action plan. Make sure you agree on the specifics. Schedule follow-up meetings to show your progress. This demonstrates initiative, making it easier for your boss to advocate for your raise.
Your Learning Takeaways
- Find out if your company has specific times of the year when raises are given. Don’t be caught off guard like I was.
- Start working with your boss several months before raise time so you can get the best raise possible. This gives you time to improve and demonstrate your value.
- Document everything. Your accomplishments, feedback, and goals should all be written down.
- Practice the conversation. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll be.
- Always ask for feedback. Even a “no” can give you valuable information for next time.
The Happy Ending to My Story
That early experience of being told “no” taught me more than any easy “yes” would have. It forced me to understand how companies really work and how to ask for a raise at work effectively.
Since then, I’ve successfully negotiated multiple raises and helped many others do the same. The key is understanding that getting a raise isn’t about hoping your boss notices your hard work – it’s about strategically positioning yourself and clearly communicating your value.
Remember, asking for a raise is a normal part of professional life. The worst thing that can happen is they say no, and even then, you’ll learn something valuable for next time. Don’t let fear or embarrassment hold you back from earning what you deserve.
