POV: You're contributing more than ever at work, despite having a smaller team and larger workload than you did at other points in your career.
Do you ask for a raise...?
YES. Here's how to ask for a raise and get it. 👏⬇️
1. Benchmark your salary 📊
Learn the average starting salaries for your position and similar roles. Consult the Robert Half Salary Guide to determine the going rates for your job, then localize the numbers to your area using our Salary Calculator. If your compensation is below par, you can use this information as leverage for requesting an increase.
While you’re looking at the numbers, consider whether your company is in the position to offer you a bump in pay. Has it landed a deal recently or realized an upswing in revenue? Or has it just undergone budget cuts or layoffs? If the latter, you might build a case for increased benefits, such as additional paid time off, professional development, or a new title.
2. Quantify your achievements ☝️
You know you’ve been doing a good job, but when you’re figuring out if you should ask for a raise, start by building your case and documenting the bottom-line benefits you’ve brought to the company.
Let’s say you work in an accounting department. You created those excellent month-end reports and introduced accounts payable alerts, but what does that mean to your employer?
3. Prepare for a discussion 📋
When was the last time you read over your job description? (Spoiler alert: it's probably been too long). Take another look and make sure you’re fulfilling all of your duties. Make note of your most meaningful accomplishments. Enter the meeting ready to talk about the projects you’ve played a role in and how you’ve worked beyond your job description.
Practice answering questions about the standard salary figures you’ve researched, the hours and dollars you’ve saved the company, and maybe even how you’ve helped improve productivity. Make sure your conviction shows. If you don’t believe you deserve a raise, why should your boss?
🔥 HOT TIP 🔥: If your boss has to get approval from someone higher up to grant you a raise, you can help by writing a letter outlining why you think you’ve earned it.
5. Use strong language 🗣️
No, not the explicit kind... We mean confidence. Avoid saying things like, “I feel like,” “I think,” “might,” and “may.” Terms like these make it sound like you’re unsure about your contributions. Tell your boss what you did, not what you think you did — and what positive effects your work has, not what it might have.
6. Have a fallback position 🥈
Maybe you took all the right steps before you walked in to ask for a raise, but your boss still turns you down. Don't be afraid to ask what it would take to get a raise in the future! Ask what specific actions would be needed to merit one, and set a check-in date. The next time you have a performance review or a big win, you can ask again.