How To Ask For A Raise When You Are Underpaid (and What to Say)

Being paid fairly is very important for feeling happy with your job and being financial stability. Many employees find themselves not getting paid enough, which can cause frustration and make them less motivated to do their best work. It’s critical to fix this problem for your personal and professional growth.

In this article, I will give you a clear plan on how to ask your boss for a raise when your pay is too low. By following these steps, you can have the conversation feeling ready and self-assured.

What To Do Before You Ask For A Raise

Know Your Value

Understanding your market value is the first step in preparing to ask for a raise. Knowing what others in your industry with similar roles and experience are earning can provide a solid foundation for your request.

Tips for Researching Salary Benchmarks

• Online Salary Databases: Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn Salary can provide industry-specific salary data.
• Professional Associations: Many industries have professional associations that publish salary surveys.
• Networking: Talk to peers in your field to get a sense of what others are being paid.

Self-Assessment

Before asking for a raise, evaluate your contributions and performance. Reflecting on your achievements and additional responsibilities can help you build a compelling case.

Evaluate Your Contributions

• Achievements: List significant projects or tasks where you’ve excelled.
• Skills: Highlight any new skills you’ve acquired.
• Responsibilities: Mention any additional responsibilities you’ve taken on.

Prepare a comprehensive list of your accomplishments to present during the discussion. This list should be specific and backed by data, such as project outcomes or performance metrics.

Choose the Right Time to Set Up Your Meeting

Timing is crucial when asking for a raise. Identifying the best times to have this conversation can increase your chances of success.

Best Times to Ask for a Raise

• Performance Reviews: These are natural opportunities to discuss compensation based on your performance.
• End of Fiscal Year: Companies often review budgets at this time, making it a good moment to discuss raises.

Consider Company Financial Health

• Financial Stability: Ensure the company is financially healthy. If the company is struggling, it might not be the best time to ask for a raise.
• External Factors: Be aware of any external factors, such as industry downturns, that might affect the company’s ability to increase salaries.

Now let’s dive into the main purpose of this blog post.

How To Ask For A Raise If You Are Underpaid

Building Your Case

Creating a compelling argument for your raise is essential. Your request should be backed up with data and examples that demonstrate your value to the company.

How to Build Your Case

Research-Based Argument

Begin by using your salary research to justify your request. Gather information from reliable sources to understand what professionals in your industry and role typically earn. This research will help you establish a benchmark and provide a solid foundation for your request.

Data and Examples

Next, provide concrete examples of your achievements and contributions. Highlight specific projects where you exceeded expectations, any measurable results you delivered, and instances where you took on additional responsibilities. Quantify your achievements with numbers, such as revenue generated, costs saved, or efficiency improvements, to make your case more persuasive.

Written Proposal

If necessary, prepare a written proposal outlining your case. This document should include your salary research, a summary of your key achievements, and a clear explanation of why you believe a raise is warranted. A written proposal can serve as a reference during your conversation and help ensure that all your points are covered.

Have the Conversation

Approaching your manager to ask for a raise requires confidence and professionalism. Being well-prepared can make this conversation smoother.

Tips for Approaching Your Manager:

Practice Your Pitch

Role-play the conversation with a friend or mentor. Practicing your pitch will help you refine your message and boost your confidence. Rehearse how you will present your case, handle potential objections, and respond to questions.

Professional Attitude

Maintain a calm and professional attitude during the discussion. Approach the conversation as a business discussion rather than a personal plea. This helps keep the focus on your contributions and the value you bring to the company.

Confidence

Speak confidently about your achievements and the value you bring to the company. Use positive body language, make eye contact, and project your voice clearly. Confidence can help persuade your manager that you deserve the raise.

Handling Objections and Rejections

Your request for a raise might be met with objections or even a denial. Being prepared for this can help you navigate the conversation effectively.

Common Objections and How to Address Them

Budget Constraints

If the company cites budget issues, ask about the possibility of a raise in the future. Inquire about the company’s financial health and any upcoming opportunities for salary reviews. Suggest revisiting the conversation at a later date when the budget might be more flexible.

Performance Concerns

Address any feedback and ask for specific goals to meet for future consideration. If your manager expresses concerns about your performance, seek constructive feedback and clarify what you need to do to meet their expectations. This demonstrates your willingness to improve and shows that you are committed to your growth and the company’s success.

What to Do if Your Raise Request is Denied

Alternative Compensations

Explore other forms of compensation, such as additional benefits, flexible hours, or professional development opportunities. If a salary increase isn’t possible, ask about other ways the company can support your career growth and improve your job satisfaction.

Set Goals

Discuss specific performance goals that could lead to a future raise. Agree on clear, measurable objectives and a timeline for achieving them. Setting goals provides a pathway for future discussions about your compensation and shows your manager that you are proactive and goal-oriented.

Follow-Up

After the initial conversation, it’s important to follow up and keep the lines of communication open with your manager.

How to Follow Up:

Set Goals and Timeline

Agree on specific goals and a timeline for revisiting the raise discussion. Ensure that both you and your manager have a clear understanding of what needs to be accomplished and by when. This helps create accountability and sets expectations for future discussions.

Regular Check-Ins

Schedule regular check-ins with your manager to discuss your progress and any updates on your raise request. Regular meetings provide opportunities to update your manager on your achievements, seek feedback, and demonstrate your ongoing commitment to your role. These check-ins also keep the topic of your raise on the radar, making it easier to revisit the conversation when the time is right.

Asking for a raise should be done when necessary but let’s consider some factors that will determine you salary.

What Not to Say When Asking for a Raise

When asking your boss for a raise, it’s important to be professional and avoid saying certain things that could hurt your chances of getting the increase you want.

Some examples of what not to say:

1. I need more money because I’m broke:

Your personal financial situation is not your employer’s responsibility. Focus on the value you bring to the company instead.

2. I deserve a raise because I’ve been here a long time:

Length of service alone doesn’t justify a raise. You need to show how your performance and contributions have grown over time.

3. I’ll quit if I don’t get a raise:

Making threats or ultimatums is never a good idea. It puts your manager on the defensive and could damage your working relationship.

4. I’m underpaid compared to my coworkers:

Avoid comparing yourself directly to others. Your raise should be based on your own merits and the market rate for your role.

5. I’m going to look for another job if I don’t get a raise:

Mentioning you might leave the company could be seen as a threat. If you’re serious about leaving, have that conversation separately.

Remember to approach the raised discussion in a positive, professional manner.

Factors That Determine Your Salary Rise

Several factors influence your salary, and understanding these can help you in your negotiation process.

Skills

Your skill set is one of the primary determinants of your salary. Specialized skills that are in high demand can significantly boost your earning potential.

Experience

The amount of experience you have in your field also impacts your salary. Generally, more experience translates to higher pay.

Company

The size and financial health of the company you work for can influence salary levels. Larger companies or those with strong financials often have more resources to pay higher salaries.

Industry

Salaries can vary widely between industries. Some industries naturally pay more due to the demand for certain roles or the profitability of the sector: e.g. Tech jobs generally pay more than social work positions.

Geography

Location plays a significant role in salary determination. Cost of living and regional market rates can affect how much you are paid for your role.

What to Say When Asking for a Raise (Email Format)

Subject: Request for Salary Increase

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to take some time to discuss my compensation and request a salary increase.

Over the past [X] years, I have consistently [list your key accomplishments, such as:]:

• Exceeded my sales targets by [X]% for the past [X] quarters
• Implemented a new process that improved efficiency by [X]%
• Received positive feedback from clients and colleagues

I believe my contributions have added significant value to the team and the company. Based on my research, my current salary is below the market rate for someone with my skills and experience in this role.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss a salary increase that better reflects my performance and the value I bring to the organization. I am available to meet at your convenience to further discuss this request.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Conclusion

Asking for a raise when you are underpaid is a crucial step towards ensuring fair compensation and job satisfaction. By knowing your value, preparing thoroughly, choosing the right time, and presenting a compelling case, you can approach the conversation with confidence. Even if your request is initially denied, exploring alternative compensations and setting future goals can keep you on the path to achieving the raise you deserve.

How To Ask For A Raise – FAQs

Will I Get Fired if I Ask for a Raise?

No, you should not get fired simply for asking for a raise. Requesting a fair increase in your compensation is a normal part of career development and should not be viewed as a threat by your employer.

However, it’s important to approach the conversation professionally and constructively. Avoid making demands or ultimatums, and instead focus on highlighting your contributions and the value you bring to the organization.

As long as you make your case respectfully and are prepared to have a thoughtful discussion, your employer should view the request as a reasonable one. Getting fired for simply asking for a raise would be considered retaliation, which is illegal in most places.

What to Do If You Get Denied a Raise

If your raise request is denied, it’s important to remain professional and ask for feedback. Understanding the reasons behind the denial can help you address any concerns and set specific goals for the future. Consider asking for alternative compensations and schedule a follow-up discussion after you’ve had time to demonstrate further achievements.

How Often Should You Ask for a Raise?

It’s generally advisable to ask for a raise annually, typically aligned with your performance review cycle. However, if you’ve taken on significant new responsibilities or have made substantial achievements, it might be appropriate to ask sooner.

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