Are you feeling undervalued and unappreciated in your workplace? Have you longed for a raise but feel hesitant or uncertain about how to ask for one? You're not alone! While knowing when—and especially how—to ask your employer to give you a raise is important, it can be tricky and even nerve-wracking.

But there's no need to dread the conversation–once you've armed yourself with some knowledge, negotiating a salary bump can be easy (and enjoyable!).

That's why we put together this blog post: In it, our experts will provide helpful tips and strategies on approaching the subject of raises with confidence so that you get what you deserve.

So keep reading to find out everything from preparing beforehand to following up afterward. With these tactics, walking into the office - ready become great at confidently negotiating effective salaries - has never been easier!

Understand your Worth

Before diving into the conversation, it's important to understand your worth. Research salaries for similar roles in other organizations and ensure you understand what is considered a fair wage.

Knowing you are asking for a fair salary gives you the confidence to confidently enter the discussion.

It's also good practice to keep up-to-date with industry news and trends so that you can back up your arguments in the conversation with data. Knowing what is happening in the industry will help you present a well-informed argument about why you deserve a raise.

Make Your Case

When the time comes to have 'the talk,' be sure to make your case. This is your opportunity to show the company why they should invest in you and what value you have added since being at the organization.

Make a list of all your hard work and accomplishments since joining - doing this will help remind you of what you have achieved for the business thus far. Examples include cost savings, higher sales numbers, or greater efficiency.

Most importantly, be sure to stay professional when discussing the topic of salary and have an idea in mind regarding what you would like to be paid.

Having a number ready can give you leverage during the negotiation process - but remember there is room for compromise. The conversation should not be one-sided - you should also take the time to understand what the company can offer.

Prepare a List of Accomplishments

When considering a raise, sit down and list your recent achievements. This can remind you why you deserve the bump in pay and give your employer a concise overview of how you have positively contributed to their business.

You must include quantitative and qualitative data – for example, the number of new customers you've acquired or the ideas you've implemented that have positively impacted customer satisfaction.

Not only will this show your employer exactly what you can do, but it will also demonstrate that you have confidence in yourself and your abilities.

Set Clear Goals and Do Your Research

Asking for a raise is not a decision to take lightly; if you want to make the process successful, you must go in with clear goals.

Before approaching your employer, set realistic expectations about what you would like from the conversation–including how much increase you're looking for and why you deserve it.

Additionally, doing your research is essential: make sure you know the average salary range for your job title in your area to accurately assess whether your request is reasonable.

Once you have a better idea of what your job is worth, you can begin preparing your case.

Think about your unique value:

What have you done over the past few months that has benefited your employer?

Have there been any challenges or problems that you solved with notable success? Be sure to collect evidence and make notes–this will help you craft a compelling argument when it comes time to negotiate.

Practice Your Pitch

Asking for a raise is a challenging task. Before you sit down with your employer, rehearse what you want to say. It's good to include your successes, why you deserve more money and a specific salary increase based on your research and experience.

Be Ready to Negotiate

Remember that the number you provide is just an opening bid; your employer will likely come back with an offer lower than what you requested or might counter with other perks such as stock options or a flexible work schedule.

Be prepared to negotiate and come to an agreement that works for both of you.

Know When To Walk Away

Before you even consider asking for a raise, it's important to understand the best time to do it. Generally speaking, the most favorable times are during annual reviews or after you have achieved an impressive goal at work.

It also pays to be aware of when not to ask for a raise – if your company is going through a difficult time or hasn't been performing well in your role, it might be best to wait until things look better.

Follow Up

Once you've had the conversation, don't just wait for the answer. Make sure to follow up and stay in touch with your employer so that they can keep track of your progress. Set a timeline for when you can expect to receive feedback or get an answer, as this will show that you are serious about wanting to get a raise.

FAQs

What is an acceptable raise to ask for?

The raise you should ask for will depend on various factors, such as your experience and the current market. Generally speaking, it's good to aim for raises that are in the double-digit percentages.

However, if you haven't been with the company long or need clarification on the industry standard, it's better to err on the side of caution and start by asking for a more modest amount.

When should I ask for a raise?

It's important to wait until you have something concrete – such as accomplishments or projects you can point to as evidence – before approaching your employer about a raise.

This will demonstrate that the additional money is justified and warranted. Additionally, if you've been in your role for at least six months, it may be appropriate to ask for an increase in salary as part of your annual review.

How do I present my case?

When asking for a raise, it helps to focus on your accomplishments and the value you have added to the company. Demonstrate why a raise is deserved by providing clear examples of projects or tasks you completed successfully or how you went above and beyond in your role.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to ask for and get a raise, it's time to take the plunge and make your case. Remember that salary negotiations can be intimidating, but they don't have to be: With the right mindset and preparation, you can ensure you are getting paid what you deserve. Good luck - we know you can do it!