How to Ask for a Raise

Sis, you have been overworked and not getting your worth-- and I don’t like that! Let’s work together to change your situation with these tips on how you can ask for a raise.

Self-Evaluate

Take a moment to reflect on what you have done and look at what you did that is not currently listed in your job description. Gather numbers and stats that prove your increase in productivity and projects. Gather enough proof to show why you are deserving, or more importantly, why they need to pay you what you’re worth. Connect the dots for them to explain how your work has been a great success for you, your team, and the company.

Research Similar Jobs

Look into what other companies pay someone in your role and how it compares to what you currently earn. How large is the gap? How does their job description and work load compare to yours? This not only helps you see what you could be getting paid but grants you assurance that you are correct in asking for this. Many times we hesitate because we do not want to seem ungrateful, but you have to silence the doubt and push forward trusting your gut.

Good Timing

So, let’s be real. Good timing does not exist. You should have been getting fair pay from the beginning, but now you are waiting for a “good time” to ask for what you deserve? Nah, sis. That is you hesitating again, and we can’t have that. Contact your supervisor, boss, manager-- whomever-- and schedule a time to chat with them in the near future). Phrase it as a meeting to chat about your current role and let them know you have a new proposal. Here is a simple example of what your email request could look like. Feel free to jazz it up to match your email style:

“Great afternoon,

I hope this email reaches you well. As I look into planning for next quarter, I would like to meet with you about my role here. I checked the calendar and you have an opening next Wednesday afternoon. Would you be willing to have a chat that day at 2:00pm? Please let me know at your earliest convenience and I will send the calendar invite your way.

Thanks and have a wonderful day!“

Prepare Yourself for “No”

Going into this, you should go ahead and prepare yourself for all possible outcomes. It is likely that they will hit you with “Let me see what I can do” or “Let me run this up the ladder” or maybe even a flat out “No, we cannot do that at this time”. In the case that they leave you with the option of waiting, ask them what you can do to help the process. Maybe they need a proposal with the stats you have collected or a list of projects and their success. There might be someone you need to chat with who can help in the process. Offer up your services, so they feel more inclined to join you in your mission to get fair compensation. In the case that you do get a “no”, follow up with asking for rationale, feedback, and a possible timeline on when this could become an option for the company.

Stay Away From Making it Personal

Girl, we know you need that raise, but nagging on about personal financial needs will not influence them to give it to you. Instead that will come off as unprofessional and distract them from seeing the work you have put in that is deserving of more compensation. Stay focused on sharing information about your performance, projects, success rates/ratings, etc. Think “deserve”-- not “need” or “like”. Come with the understanding of the value you bring, and how that goes above and beyond the expectations of the role, so that you’ll be able to communicate exactly why you deserve more money.

Practice is a Must

It can be nerve racking, especially when we were never taught how to address these conflicts in the workplace. Run through it with your significant other, mentor, friend, parents, or anyone who can give you constructive criticism that will improve your pitch. It is vital you practice in order to make sure your tone of voice, choice of words, body language, and responses are all well thought through. Rehearsing will also grant you more confidence as you work up the nerve to propose to your superior.

Good luck, sis!