How to: Ask for a Raise (& actually get it!), by AdviceWithErin on YouTube. 12 min 33 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 33 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Treat the conversation as a business discussion about fair pay, not a personal favour. Decide that you are asking for a salary adjustment, not begging for a raise.
Check salary ranges on Glassdoor, Payscale, Salary.com and recent job ads for the same role, location and experience level. Write down a realistic low, target and high number.
List your achievements with numbers, such as projects delivered, revenue gained, costs saved or extra duties. Match them to the requirements in your job description.
Practise your opening line and the likely questions out loud. Prepare a calm answer for no, not now and we have no budget.
Ask your manager for a private 30-minute meeting and say you want to discuss your compensation and career. Do not raise the number in a hallway or group chat.
Open with your research and results, then ask for a specific salary or range. For example, say that based on your results and the market range, you would like your salary adjusted to a set figure.
If the answer is no or not yet, ask what would need to change and when you can review it. Discuss a bonus, title change, training or extra holiday only if salary is fixed.
Send a short email within 24 hours summarising what you discussed and any agreed next steps or review date. Keep a copy for your records.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not mention rent, bills or personal spending; base your case on market pay and results.
Avoid apologising or saying you hate to ask; keep your tone calm and direct.
Do not accept a vague promise; ask for a date and put it in writing.
Do not use a fake job offer as leverage; only mention a real offer if you are ready to leave.
Questions
What if my manager says there is no budget?
Ask when the next budget cycle starts and what evidence would support a review. Request a specific date to revisit the conversation.
Should I give a number first?
Yes, give a researched range or target so the conversation has a clear anchor. You can still ask about the salary band for your role.
How long should I wait before asking again?
If you agree on a review date, wait until then and follow up in writing. If there is no date, ask again after a major win or at your next performance review.
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.
