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How to Ask for a Raise When You Feel Underpaid
Whether you’re an entry-level worker or have been with your company for years, if you feel like you’re being underpaid, asking for a raise can be one of the most stressful and intimidating conversations you have to have at work. You don’t want to appear ungrateful or greedy, but you also need to get paid what you’re worth — it’s not just about your paycheck; it’s about building a life that leaves room for financial flexibility and freedom, too.
Gather evidence that shows how you add value
If you’re going to ask for a raise, you need to be able to back up your request with evidence. Gather data that shows how much you contribute to the company and how your work has helped improve things. If you can show that you’re an invaluable asset to the team, you’ll be in a much better position to negotiate a higher salary. Put together a list of goals that you want to achieve over the next six months and then track them on a spreadsheet or app like Asana. Show this list to your boss so they can see how valuable you are!
Understand why it makes sense for them to pay more
It’s important to remember that when you’re asking for a raise, you’re not just asking for more money. You’re asking for more money because you believe you’re worth more money. And in order to convince your boss that you’re worth more money, you need to be able to articulate why:
- Think about the company and how you can contribute to its success.
- Look at how much time you spend on projects and how much impact it has on the company.
- Identify all of the things you do as part of your job, and make sure they match what the company wants from their employees.
- Be prepared with specific examples of why the company would benefit from paying you more money.
Prepare yourself mentally
Before you go into your boss’s office to ask for a raise, it’s important to prepare yourself mentally. This means getting rid of any self-doubt and having confidence in your abilities. You should also have a clear idea of what you’re asking for and why you deserve it. Remember, your boss is more likely to give you a raise if you’re able to articulate your value.
Practice your pitch before asking in person
Before you ask for a raise, it’s important that you have a clear idea of what you want to say. You should rehearse your pitch so that you can deliver it confidently and calmly. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Be clear about why you deserve a raise. Do your research and come up with specific examples of your accomplishments and how they’ve helped the company.
- Don’t be emotional. This isn’t the time to get upset or defensive. Stick to the facts and be polite.
- Don’t make threats. Asking for a raise is not an ultimatum, so don’t act like it is.
- Be prepared to negotiate.
Have you asked for a raise before and wished you knew something before going in? Send us your advice so we can share it!