Asking your employer for more money isn’t easy, even when you know you deserve it. But if you knocked it out of the park over the past year, took on more responsibilities or received a stellar performance review, you owe it to yourself to talk to your manager about a pay increase. Not sure where to start? Follow these five tips for how to ask for a raise:

1. Do your salary research. You won’t get very far if the amount you ask for isn’t in line with today’s job market. Consult resources, like the Robert Half Salary Guide, to understand what the competitive salary is for your position and geographic location.
2. Pick the right time. Identify the best time in your company’s cycle to have the discussion. Consider whether your company usually grants pay raises after performance reviews, or if there are signs it’s not a good time, like recent layoffs or a hiring freeze.
3. Make the request. After completing the first two steps, email your manager and explain that you’d like to connect to review your compensation. Outline your impact, describe how you’ve excelled in your role, and ask to meet with your manager to discuss further.
4. Back it up. Use numbers in the description of your accomplishments: money saved, revenue earned, services improved, responsibilities taken on. Your request should reflect both your success and industry salary averages for your job skills and experience.
5. Express appreciation for the consideration. Remember to thank your manager for supporting you in your role and considering your request, and be patient. Your manager may need to talk to a higher-up or HR before getting back to you, which takes time.

Want an example of a letter asking for a raise? Visit the Robert Half blog for a template and even more tips to guide this important conversation.

About Robert Half
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