How to ask for a pay rise: a practical guide
Asking for a pay rise can be daunting, but with preparation your chances of success go up considerably.
1. Choose the right moment
- After a visible achievement: a finished project, a new client or new responsibilities.
- Before the year's budgets are closed.
- During your performance review, if there is one.
2. Gather your arguments
- Concrete, measurable results: savings, sales, deadlines, improvements.
- Responsibilities you have taken on since your last review.
- Market salaries for your role and experience.
3. Work out the figure
Always talk in gross annual terms and be clear about what it means in net pay: you can check with the net salary calculator. Ask for a little more than your target to leave room for negotiation.
4. In the meeting
- Ask for a dedicated meeting; don't bring it up in passing.
- Start with what you contribute, not with your personal needs.
- Name a specific figure and then listen.
5. If the answer is no
- Ask what you would need to achieve to get the rise and agree on a date to discuss it again.
- Negotiate alternatives: more remote working days, training, flexible remuneration or a performance bonus.
- If the answer is always no, compare your salary with other offers on the market.