How Do You Politely Negotiate a Higher Salary Increment, by Corporate Staffing Services Kenya on YouTube. 6 min 28 s.
- Video length
- 6 min 28 s
- Time to do it
- 1 week of preparation
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Write down your wins from the past year: projects delivered, targets beaten, skills you added and problems you solved. Add numbers wherever you can, such as percentages, savings or deadlines met.
Research the going rate for your role. Check salary surveys, job adverts for similar posts and talk to trusted contacts in your industry.
Decide your target figure and a realistic minimum you would accept. Keep both to yourself until you are in the meeting.
Book a private meeting with your manager and say you would like to discuss your pay. Pick a calm week, not a day when the team is firefighting.
Open the conversation by confirming you enjoy the role and want to keep growing in it. This sets a positive tone before you mention numbers.
Present your evidence briefly, then state your request clearly. For example: based on my results and the market rate, I am asking for an increase of X.
Then stay quiet and let your manager respond. Do not fill the silence with apologies or by lowering your own figure.
If the answer is no, ask what specific results would justify an increase and when you can review it again. Get that date in writing.
Send a short follow-up email summarising what you agreed and the next review date. Keep it friendly and factual.
Tips and common mistakes
Negotiate the whole package too: training, flexible hours, a title change or an earlier review can bridge a gap.
Never bring up a colleague's salary by name, and avoid ultimatums unless you are genuinely ready to leave.
Rehearse your opening lines out loud beforehand so nerves do not make your request vague.
Ask for the review date in writing, because verbal promises often slip when budgets get tight.
Questions
What if my manager says there is no budget?
Ask when the next budget cycle starts and what evidence would support a request then. Leave with a specific review date rather than a vague maybe.
Should I mention an offer from another company?
Only if the offer is real and you would actually consider taking it. Bluffing usually damages trust and can backfire.
How often should I ask for a raise?
Usually once a year, tied to your performance review. Ask sooner if your duties have grown well beyond your job description.
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.
