How to Ask for a Raise (amid economic crisis): 7 TIPS + SCRIPT to Get a Pay Rise, by Kara Ronin on YouTube. 11 min 52 s.
- Video length
- 11 min 52 s
- Time to do it
- 2 weeks
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Check the timing before you ask. Wait until your company is stable, your workload is high and you have recent wins, not during layoffs or a budget freeze.
Research the pay range for your role, level and city. Use job ads, industry salary surveys and conversations with trusted peers, then write down a realistic target and a minimum.
Take on a visible task or responsibility that helps the team before you make your request. Keep a note of what you now own and how it saves time or money.
Tell your manager about your progress in normal updates, not only when you want a raise. Use short facts: what you did, the result and why it mattered.
Collect proof of your wins in a one-page list. Include numbers such as sales, savings, deadlines met or errors reduced, plus positive feedback from clients or colleagues.
Build your case around the value you bring, not your rent or bills. Explain the extra responsibility you hold and the results that are above your current pay grade.
Show what you will do next. Name a skill you are building or a problem you can solve in the next six months that will help the business.
Practise your request out loud and prepare for a no. Rehearse your main points, your target figure and one calm response to budget concerns.
Book a short private meeting and use a clear script. Say you want to discuss your pay, give two or three wins, state your target and ask for their response.
After the meeting, send a short email that thanks your manager and repeats the agreed next step or decision date. Keep it factual and polite.
Tips and common mistakes
Ask for a specific figure or narrow range, not just more money.
Do not use personal financial problems as your main reason; focus on the work.
If your manager says no, ask what would need to change and when you can review it.
Keep the meeting short and calm; getting angry or threatening to leave rarely helps.
Questions
What if my company has a pay freeze?
Ask whether the freeze has an end date and what you can do now. You can request a written review date or other terms such as training, a title change or flexible hours.
Should I give a number first?
It is usually best to give a researched range or target so the conversation has a clear focus. Be ready to explain how you chose it.
Can I ask by email?
A short email can set up the meeting, but make the actual request in person or by video call. Follow up in writing so the next step is clear.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
