How To Confidently Ask For A Raise At Work

Asking for a raise at work can be one of the most terrifying but also one of the most satisfying things at the same time. It is no easy task, however, to summon up the tremendous amount of confidence and courage to sit down with your boss and ask for a raise. I want to tell you how to confidently ask for a raise at work.

I have found myself in this position a few times. I have received one denial, one counteroffer, and one granted. All of which were on three separate occasions and from 3 different jobs.

From experience, let me tell you, it takes a lot of planning, a lot of stress, and a great amount of anxiety. You need to study what you’re going to say, how it’s going to be presented, and be ready to answer any and all questions your boss may have for you.You also have the aftermath to worry about as well.

There are the anxiety-ridden questions of wondering if there will be retaliation or any animosity. While neither of these responses should be ok in the workplace, it happens far too often. It’s important to remember that when asking for a raise, you do so only if you feel you truly deserve it.

Now, you may be wondering, well is she going to tell me how to get me more money!? Yes, I am. But, ultimately, it is up to you to know if you are truly deserving of one. Here is how to confidently ask for a raise at work:

How To Confidently Ask For A Raise At Work

Study and prepare

If you are deciding to ask for a raise it’s because there is some history behind it. Maybe you have been working hard for the last year. Maybe you have been doing more work than what your job duties first entailed you to do.

Or maybe you deal with a lot more stress than anticipated and you feel like you are worth more than what you currently make. Whatever your reason, validate it. Own it and then convince yourself that you deserve it, because chances are….you most certainly do!

Gather the reasons why you feel you deserve a raise. Create a list (on either paper or on your phone) and then give yourself examples. Your employer will most likely as you to elaborate on your reasons and you will need the examples and evidence to support it.

Then, prepare to comeback if they give you any pushback or make a counteroffer. Prepare for them to argue against your reasons because a good boss will give you that constructive criticism and you need to make sure you know how to professionally accept the constructive criticism. It’s not an easy thing to do.

It may even come as a wake-up call for you. Likewise, your boss could be far-fetched.

That does happen in a  lot of these cases. You just need to be prepared for every possible outcome. I always say expect the worse but hope for the best. 

Plan your initial presentation

This is the most important. Everything you say in your pitch to ask for a raise is going to determine so much in your boss’s decision. Are you asking in a cocky way or are you presenting yourself in a good and calm demeanor?

There is such a thing as asking for too much but also if you ask for too little, what does that say about your confidence? You want to ask for your raise but also do so in a way that you wouldn’t take a no. In other words, don’t demand a rise; however, when asking for one, do so confidently.

Prepare yourself mentally for the outcome

I have received a no and it felt defeating. It felt like I wasn’t good enough but it also caused me to re-evaluate if I was really trying my hardest. Likewise, I have received a yes and that was one of the best feelings.

To know your boss and or the company you work for appreciate you and see’s you as a valued/essential part of their team…well, that is a great feeling. With that said, prepare yourself for the worst. You may get a no, or you may even get a counter offer.

If you are truly valued in your company then you may get exactly what you’re asking for. However, maybe your boss still see’s potential in you to try harder, and that’s perfectly ok. We do not always see our own faults or weaknesses.

Nevertheless, prepare yourself to take the worst case scenario with your head held up high. Decide if you really do want to work harder in the current position or maybe that job may not be for you after all.

Asking for a raise is vastly more accepted in this modern age. Perhaps you were greatly affected by the pandemic, or perhaps your life hit some tough bumps in the road. Whatever the reason may be for you asking for a raise, make sure you know what you’re asking for and what you’re getting yourself into.

Make sure you feel confident and have all your recourses together. Don’t be shy and let go of your comfort zone. I did just that and it really did pay off.

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