When you want to ask for a raise, there are many things you should think about and have in order before you request a meeting with your boss. The more you have prepared the more successful the meeting will be.

 Asking for more money can feel scary, and it’s one of those questions where the answer may well be no. But, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask for it! Today, I wanted to walk you through Leadology’s top tips for asking for a raise.

1.Choose the Right Time to Ask for a Raise

Contrary to popular belief, do NOT wait until your performance review to have this conversation, as typically all the budgets for salary increases have been allocated by then. Instead, get ahead of it and have the conversation proactively outside of those big year-end events. 

2. Know Your Superpowers 

Take the CliftonStrengths assessment and then read your results OUT LOUD. When you practice saying all the positive powerful descriptors about YOU, the confidence you gain will give you the energy to approach this conversation with confidence. (Protip: After you've taken the assessment, take the 21-Day Strengths Challenge to become more aware of your talents, more influential in your communications, and more confident overall, by honing the strengths that you already possess).

*USE CAUTION* This is the tip people use most and circle back to tell me they got the raise or landed the job. We hope you really want what you’re asking for!! 

3. Share Your Wins  

Make a list of your successes, feedback, awards, etc…all the wins that indicate the profound contributions you’ve made to the work, the team, and the organization. Sharing your concrete results will give what you’re saying a lot more power when you ask for a raise. 

4. Choose Data Not Drama 

Doing external research and understanding what your role makes across industries will help you make a case and confidently say, “I’ve done some thorough research on my industry and on what the standard salary is for someone with my experience in this role.” A great first step in getting more info is checking out Career Contessa’s free salary database, The Salary Report. 

5. Keep it Future Focused 

What are the big goals ahead for your team/organization? How can you contribute? What projects do you want to get involved in? Think about key projects and activities you can help with and that you’re visualizing your future with the organization. Then, explain how a higher salary will help you contribute at the highest level. 

6. Take a Deep Breath! 

Here’s a secret...everyone gets nervous asking for more money! You’re not alone! You can totally do this! And once you do, be sure to let me know so I can celebrate with you.

Once you understand your value and what you bring to the company it will become a lot easier to make that meeting and ask for a raise. Don’t let your fears get in the way of earning what you are worth throughout your whole career.

What other questions do you have when it comes to asking for a raise? Would you like us to share more on this topic? We’d love for you to join the discussion with us on LinkedIn.