How to negotiate a raise

Frequently asked questions

I receive many questions on how to negotiate a raise. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions

Q: What are good reasons to negotiate a raise?
Raises are usually granted on merit and performance. If you are considered a high performer and have demonstrated accomplishments that have helped your company’s success, feel free to ask for a raise. Other good reasons include: taking on added responsibilities and a salary that is below industry norms.

Q: What reasons are not good?
Asking based on your own financial needs. Your troubled financial situation is not a good reason to ask for a raise. You need to show that the value you bring to the company is worth a higher salary. Other bad reasons: you heard a colleague is making more than you; you feel your boss does not give you enough recognition and are trying to compensate for this feeling of under-appreciation by demanding more money.

Q: When is the best time to ask for a raise?
During a positive performance review session. Most companies award increases yearly or bi-yearly. A positive response to Requesting a higher-than- usual raise is most likely at this time.
When your boss is asking you to take on significant extra responsibilities.
When you have another job offer.

Q: When is not a good time to ask for a salary increase?
There is no bad time per se. However, if you wait until you receive your raise and then complain, you are limiting your chances of getting the raise you want. This is because many companies have a limit to the amount of raises to be awarded per year. If you do not get the raise initially, your manager may not have the ability to go back and re-negotiate.
And, obviously, after a bad performance review is also not ideal timing.

Q: What is the best way to approach your boss about a raise?
Asking for a Face-to-Face meetings is best for this type of discussion. However, do not try to add the topic to an already scheduled meeting or worse at the water cooler.

Q: How should I prepare for a salary negotiation?
You need to know what your job is worth in the market and how your salary compares. Have a list of your most recent accomplishments available. You should also review my page on points to consider before a negotiation.

Q: How can I know what my job is worth in the market?
This information can be obtained through salary calculator tools or through colleagues and professional associations.

Q: What should I avoid in salary negotiations?
Asking for an unreasonable raise.
Becoming emotional- this is a business transaction, not personal.
Threatening to quit. Unless you are sure you want to quit.
Thinking that salary is the only thing that can be negotiated. If salary is off the table, try negotiating extra days off, better working hours or conditions, bonuses…

Hope the answers to these frequently asked questions help you negotiate a raise.

Learn more on How to Negotiate a Raise
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