How to Ask for a Raise: Timing, Preparation and What to Say

If you have been doing great work and your pay has not kept up, asking for a raise is a normal, professional conversation, not a favour. Managers often have limited budgets and many priorities, so the employees who prepare and ask clearly are usually the ones who get considered. Here is how to make a strong case.

Step 1: Choose the right timing

Timing can matter as much as your argument. Good moments include:

• Before budgets are set, often a few months before the company's financial year begins.
• During or just before a performance review.
• After a clear success, such as finishing a major project or landing a big client.
• When your responsibilities have grown beyond your original job description.

Avoid asking during company-wide cost cutting, right after layoffs, or when your manager is under obvious pressure.

Step 2: Build your evidence

Your request should be based on the value you bring, not on personal expenses. Gather:

• Achievements from the last 6–12 months, with numbers where possible: revenue generated, costs saved, time saved, customer ratings, projects delivered.
• New responsibilities you have taken on, such as training colleagues or managing a client.
• Positive feedback from managers, colleagues or customers.
• Market data on what similar roles pay in your location and industry.

Put this into a one-page summary you can refer to or share.

Step 3: Decide what you are asking for

Choose a specific figure or percentage, based on your research, and decide in advance what you would accept. Also think about alternatives in case a salary increase is not possible right now, such as a title change, extra leave, training budget, flexible working or a firm date for a review.

Step 4: Request a meeting

Don't raise it in passing in the corridor or by surprise in a meeting about something else. Send a short message:

"Hi Jordan, could we set up 30 minutes next week to talk about my role and compensation? I'd like to discuss my progress over the past year."

This gives your manager time to prepare and shows you are approaching it professionally.

Step 5: Have the conversation

Keep it positive, specific and brief:

"Thanks for making time. I really enjoy working here and I'm keen to keep growing with the team. Over the past year I've taken on the supplier contracts, which helped us save about 8% on purchasing, and I've trained our two new coordinators. Based on that and on what similar roles pay in our area, I'd like to discuss increasing my salary to [figure]. What are your thoughts?"

Then listen. Your manager may need to check with HR or senior management, so don't expect an instant answer.

Step 6: Handle the response

• If the answer is yes: thank them and ask for written confirmation of the new salary and its start date.
• If it is "not now": ask what specifically you would need to achieve, and agree a date to revisit, for example in three or six months. Follow up in writing.
• If it is a clear no: stay professional. Ask for feedback, consider non-salary benefits, and reflect on whether the role still meets your long-term goals.

Mistakes to avoid

• Basing your request only on personal costs, such as rent or school fees.
• Comparing yourself negatively with named colleagues.
• Threatening to resign unless you truly mean it.
• Getting emotional or defensive if the answer is not what you hoped.
• Waiting for your manager to notice your work without ever raising it.

Keep a "wins" file

The easiest way to prepare for your next raise conversation is to start today. Keep a simple document where you note achievements, praise and new responsibilities as they happen. When review time comes, your evidence will be ready.