How To Ask For A Pay Rise

Money is a topic that British people don’t like to talk about at the best of times. And asking for more money, even if you deserve it can be quite a tough ask and feel quite awkward. Knowing how to ask for a pay rise is so important when it comes to your career.

You get paid for the work what you do. And if you feel that you’ve outgrown your salary as you’re constantly going above and beyond your role, or you’ve taken on additional responsibilities you should be compensated for it. But how to ask for a pay rise is a totally different thing. It’s one thing thinking you should get a raise, but another thing asking for one. But remember the worst that can happen is you won’t get a raise.

How to ask for a pay rise- Know your worth

Before you have any conversations you should take a look at the wider job market and see how your salary compares. Take a look at LinkedIn for some similar job roles and check their salary banding. Or have a search online and see if there are any salary lists or benchmarking exercises available to look at.

Ultimately you want to see if you could be earning more money elsewhere for the role you’re doing now. If the answer is yes then you need to ask for a pay rise. If your company then says no you can think about your future and whether it would be better for your career to move on.

Plan your ask in advance

If you’re not sure how to ask for a pay rise make sure you are prepped and planned in advance. You don’t want to just go up to your boss and say I should have a raise without anything to back it up.

Along with your salary research above think about the things you do consistently that go above and beyond what you’re contracted to do. For example additional roles, managing people, certain highly skilled tasks etc. When you first accepted the job you accepted the salary based on what you would be doing. If the scope of your role has changed since then and you’re doing more you should be compensated for that. But have a list of things you think you do that go beyond.

While you don’t want to be reading from a script it is worth highlighting some points in advance. Think about the value you bring to the business with some evidence but explain that you feel you’re now worth more.

How to ask for a pay rise- Speaking to your manager

Make sure you speak to your manager face-to-face either in person or via video call. Do not have this conversation via messenger or email. Talking about money is hard but you need to know your own worth and take on any awkwardness you may feel.

Pick a time when your boss is likely to be stress-free and not strapped for time. For example don’t it straight after a big meeting, or too close to a stressful deadline.

It might be a good idea to pre-warn your manager before you catch up. For example putting some notes into a meeting request that you want to have a discussion about your salary and any rationale. It means your manager won’t be caught off guard and potentially give a knee-jerk reaction.

Plan your timing

Timing is very important when it comes to pay rises. A lot of companies will only allow salary reviews at specific times of the year. But even if a pay rise goes through in say April, it might have to be approved and go through months in advance. See if you can find out when raises are granted as this may help you get the most from your ask.

Don’t wait too long to ask for a pay raise. If your scope of work has changed or you’re doing more than you should speak about it it right at the start. If you wait until an annual review, or longer it might be too late.

Delivery when asking for a pay rise

The research and planning aspect of thinking how to ask for a pay rise seem quite easy. But it’s the actual delivery and the physical conversation which can be the hardest. You’ll probably be nervous going into the chat, but make sure you look confident. Sit up straight and make eye contact with your boss. And make sure you speak slowly and clearly.

If you fidget, giggle, your gaze wanders etc these all show you’re feeling uncomfortable or insecure and you may not be taken as seriously. Give your manager time to respond or give their feedback.

How to ask for a pay rise- next steps

Chances are your boss will have to make your case to their manager/ HR/ someone higher up the business so make sure you get them on board with your ask. Be ambitious but reasonable with your ask on salary based on how much extra you’re doing and the industry benchmark. There’s no point asking for £15,000 more if you can’t justify such a jump. If you’re not sure of how much to ask for your job search should help give you an idea of how much other companies pay for this role.

Make sure you ask about the next steps for your request i.e. when should you hear back/ when are decisions made. The last thing you want is to be waiting and hanging on and still be in the same position 9 months down the line.

What happens if you get a no

There are numerous reasons why you may be declined a pay rise. If you don’t get one a good boss should explain how you can develop further to be eligible for one. So make sure you ask what you can do to push further and gain that pay rise. So be prepared that you may have to work harder to demonstrate your worth.

If it’s a no because the company simply doesn’t have the budget see if you can negotiate other benefits that may be worthwhile such as a company car, a few extra days holiday or company paid for courses/ education that could help you develop.

If none of this is possible and you know you can earn more with another company consider your future. Think about how happy you are with your current role, and current employer. But don’t use this as an ultimatum to your employer that you’ll leave if you don’t get one.

Do you know how to ask for a pay rise? And would you feel comfortable asking for one?

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