Tips on how to ask for a raise? I'm nervous!

The best way to ask for a raise is don't wait until a performance review cycle , but instead to ask your manager, “What is the path to get a raise?” This will help them tell you what skills you need to build, what numbers you need to hit, and what projects you need to be on. Write those down, work towards them, talk about them in your one-on-one meetings with your manager, and express that you are looking to get a raise.

It seems kind of funny that you need to tell your manager that you want more money, but they won't be thinking about it. Otherwise, they have their own things going on, and maybe they assume that you are perfectly satisfied and happy with where you're at. They wouldn't know unless you tell them. And so, co-create that plan with your manager so that you're never surprised when it comes to review time, whether or not you are going to get that raise.

Asking for a raise for the first time can be nerve-wracking. The best thing you can do is come prepared with evidence of your value . Go through your email and collect “kudos”—messages where someone thanked you or acknowledged good work. Screenshot those and save them in a document. You should also include any data or performance metrics that show you exceeded expectations, whether it’s calls made, projects completed, or KPIs hit.

When it’s time for the meeting, start on a positive note: “I’ve really enjoyed working here this past year, and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. I’d like to discuss my financial growth and what a raise might look like.” Make a specific ask, whether it’s a percentage increase or a dollar figure. They may meet you halfway, but the key is that you have to ask. They likely won’t initiate it for you.

When you're negotiating a raise, show your supervisor that you're actively listening. You might say something like, "Hey Sean, I was really interested in getting your thoughts on how you see my career path in this company," to get the ball rolling. Then, be physically present and attentive to what they have to say. Nod your head as they're speaking and paraphrase what they're saying in an authentic and genuine way to show you understand. If you can build trust and rapport with them, it improves your ability to negotiate.

First of all, you have to know your company culture and how it gives raises. A lot of companies don't give a raise until your yearly review, or there is a particular timeline when it is appropriate for you to ask for a raise.

Second of all, I think it's important for you to really have your backbone to say you've done enough to earn a raise, rather than just want a raise and don't really have much supporting material to say why. To give an example, when I was asking for a raise at my previous design firm, I had supporting evidence - I was the one leading a team, and I found all the resources to help me complete the project. I took care of the project and had it smoothly completed, not only within the timeline but ahead of schedule. I definitely thought I deserved a raise. When they didn't give it to me, I spoke up and said, “I think I deserve a raise”.

And if they still will not comply, then you have two options: stay or leave. I want to encourage you to know your self-worth , and to know that if your employer doesn't value you and what you can offer, someone else will.