How to ask for a pay rise

Here are some language and cultural tips to help you ask your boss for more money.

Research

Is your company in a good position to offer more money? If there have been redundancies or layoffs, it might not be a good time to ask. But if you can prove you have a vital role in the company or you make them a good profit, your boss might consider increasing your salary. Research the market rates for your job by checking salary surveys and job advertisements

Prepare a business case

Why do you deserve extra pay? Get some quantifiable facts and figures to show your boss how valuable you are. Have you made a profit, brought in new customers or improved productivity? Perhaps you've taken on extra responsibilities, supervised people and projects, or achieved company objectives. The key is to base your request on your performance as an employee – not on why you need extra money.

Have a specific increase in mind that will reward your contributions and responsibilities. If you think your boss is unlikely to give you extra money, think about perks you could ask for instead, such as extra holiday, training, health or child care or flexible working.

When you feel you have prepared your case, and you have enough "evidence" to persuade your boss, write down your ideas. Ask someone to read it to see if your points are clear. Practise what you want to say as concisely as possible. If possible, practise your meeting with another person, so that you feel prepared for any questions. The more you rehearse, the more confident you will feel during the meeting with your boss.

Timing

Ask your boss in advance for a meeting, so that he / she has plenty of time to prepare. You can do this in a short email:

Dear XX

Would it be possible to set up a time to discuss my compensation? / to have a performance review?
(Or : I would appreciate the chance to meet to discuss a performance review. )

Please could you let me know when would be a convenient time for you?

(Your name)

What to say during the meeting

During the meeting, be brief and direct.

1. Highlight your contributions

"I'm asking for a pay rise now because of the contributions I have made / the extra responsibilities I have taken on…"

"As you know I have completed various key projects this year (say what they are) / I have achieved my budget goals / I have increased profits by X%."

2. Ask for a specific amount

"I'm looking for an increase of 5%."

… "It reflects the extra profit I have made for the company / the savings that I have made / the new accounts I have brought to the company."

3. If necessary, talk about what other people in your job are paid

"I believe this is appropriate as it is in line with current pay levels for someone in my position in the industry."
"From my research in current market conditions, someone in my position earns around XX."

4. If your manager says no

"I understand that finances are difficult. Can we discuss non-salary perks?"

"What can I do over the next (six months / year) to make myself eligible for an increase?"
"What would I need to do to be considered for this increase?"

Cultural tips

- There's a fine line between highlighting your achievements and boasting. Be as objective as possible during the meeting to let the facts and figures impress your boss.

- Don't get upset if your boss rejects your request. Use one of the phrases above to show that you are committed to the company and to improving your performance as much as possible.

- Don't threaten to leave or to suggest another company has given you a better offer. It can sound like blackmail and make you look unprofessional.