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You know you’ve been excelling in your new role, so a raise might seem inevitable, right? Not so fast. Even if your manager acknowledges your success, she likely won’t just hand you a salary increase. To get a raise, you’ll need to ask for one. Here are some strategies to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
BE PATIENT This may seem a bit contradictory to the advice above, but hear us out. Don’t expect to get a raise every time you meet a goal—and asking too soon might annoy your boss. A good guideline? Wait until you’ve been in the role for about a year or after your last promotion.
MAKE YOUR CASE. Yes, it’s important to ask—but even more so, you need to make a convincing argument. If your company doesn’t provide annual reviews, request a meeting with your supervisor. Use this time to explain why you believe a raise is warranted. Summarize your achievements over the past year (in a memo, if necessary), highlight the ways you’ve exceeded expectations, and discuss future projects that go beyond your current role. If any of your work has directly generated extra revenue, be sure to include those numbers. Keep in mind that your supervisor might need to present your case to HR or another decision-making body, so make your argument clear and easy for her to present as well.
ASK FOR FEEDBACK. Be confident, but also open to receiving criticism. In fact, actively request it. By seeking an honest evaluation of your performance, you demonstrate to your boss that you are committed to your role within the team. An employee who embraces feedback and takes action to improve is invaluable.
HAVE A SPECIFIC NUMBER IN MIND. Don’t simply ask for a raise in general terms—be specific about the amount or percentage increase you desire. And make it clear that you’ve done your research. Talk to mentors or trusted colleagues about their salaries early in their careers, or consult career websites to understand what others in similar positions are earning. If you believe you're underpaid, gently point it out—but do so diplomatically.
KEEP IT PROFESSIONAL, NOT PERSONAL. Above all, maintain professionalism. While you might need extra money for personal reasons like rising rent or unforeseen costs, your boss doesn’t need to hear about it. Raises should be based on your performance and the value you bring to the company, not personal circumstances. Keeping the conversation focused on business will strengthen your case.
SHOW GRATITUDE. It’s essential to remember to thank your boss for her time. She likely has many other responsibilities, and the meeting and follow-up will take up valuable hours of her day. If your request is denied, remain gracious. Acknowledge her decision and ask if you could schedule another performance review in six months instead of waiting a full year. A dedicated employee is one that companies want to retain.
Asking for a raise is a wise financial decision. Another smart choice: selecting the right credit card. With the Discover it card, any cash back you earn in your first year is matched, dollar for dollar—and there’s no annual fee. Why wait? Head to Discover to find out more.
