So you’ve been at your job for a while now. You get along well with your boss and coworkers, you excel in your role, and you’re ready to take on new challenges and responsibilities. If this is the case, it’s time to ask for a raise! Asking for a raise takes preparation and confidence; it sounds intimidating, but can go a long way in your professional journey! Here are some tips for knowing when - and how - to ask for a raise!

When to ask for a raise

After a promotion

This is a simple one. If your responsibilities increase, so should your pay! Not quite sure how to get a promotion? Check out our 5 tips!

After accomplishing something big

When you accomplish something at work, like making a sale, getting positive feedback from a customer, or completing a big project, be sure to keep a record of it! This is a good opportunity to ask for a raise.

At a milestone

The timeframe for getting a raise will vary depending on what company you work at, and how long you’ve worked there. Some companies offer raises at 6 months, and others at 1 year. Once you reach a milestone like this with your company, you may be due for a raise. Check your company’s employee handbook to learn more.

How to ask for a raise

To ask for a raise, you’ll most likely need to schedule a meeting in advance with your boss or manager. If you can have the meeting in person- even better! Here’s how to prepare to ask for a raise.

Do your research

Set aside some time before you meet with your boss to research what people in your position usually make across different companies, as well as what the average pay is for your role at your specific company. Knowing this information can ensure that you are receiving fair pay. To find this information, you can reference your employee handbook.

Prepare proof of achievements

Document your achievements at work to present to your boss or supervisor when you ask for a raise. We recommend creating a work journal or document that outlines the projects you managed, the number of customers you helped, and any education or training you completed that helped you be better at work that helped improve the company. If you can tie your achievements to the overall goals of your company, even better! Show you understand the big picture and how you fit into it. Not only will having documentation of these successes help you when asking for a raise, it will also come in handy when it’s time for your performance review!

Be open to negotiating

Entering your meeting being open to negotiating is key. Even if your company is unable to offer you a raise, they may be willing to offer you extra vacation days or other job perks instead. This may be disappointing, and does not replace an increase in your wages, but can be a meaningful compromise. If you do not receive a raise or any other job perks, be sure to ask your manager when a good time to have the conversation again would be. This shows you see yourself contributing to the team in the future and are invested in both yourself and the organization!

Plan your next steps

Regardless of whether or not you get the raise, this can be a great time to take a moment of reflection about your performance at work and how you can continue becoming a better employee. This is a great opportunity to ask your boss for feedback about your performance in your role. Remember, feedback is your friend!

Make sure you’re updating your resume as you go along in this job (and every job!) to ensure that you don’t forget all of the great things you’ve accomplished. Need some resume help? Send it to our job experts for free to get some feedback!

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