I’m a careers expert… here is a perfect way to ask for a pay rise – and the words you should NEVER use
Organise an in person meeting with your boss and make sure to have colleagues in your corner if you want to bag yourself a pay rise, a career expert has revealed.
And you should never make a pay rise request a simple yes or no question, according to Nicola Weatherhead, Vice President, People Operations & Talent Acquisition at The Stepstone Group.
In December, pay growth increased for the first time in more than a year, figures from the Office for National Statistics showed.
Private sector pay grew at an annual pace of 5.4%, while in the public sector it was 4.3%.
But if you are still craving a pay rise, make sure to do your homework, Ms Weatherhead said.
Employers will be shocked with the increase in National Insurance this year, which will cost around £800 for every minimum wage employee and more for workers earning greater salaries.
While this will make employing people more expensive, you should not be paying the price for it.
The National Insurance increase comes into effect in April, meaning you have months to consider options before asking for a rise.
Organise an in person meeting with your boss and make sure to have colleagues in your corner if you want to bag yourself a pay raise
An in person meeting with your line manager is essential, as is selling yourself properly
February is usually the best month to ask for a raise because it is just before the end of the financial year and after the start of the year rush
‘You could say ‘I know that you are paying an increased National Insurance contribution, but I want to discuss how we can overcome this and compromise’ – also remember to think about your overall salary and benefits package,’ the career expert said.
An in person meeting with your line manager is essential, as is selling yourself properly.
‘Prepare a detailed overview of what you’ve achieved over the past year and what you plan to contribute in the future, especially in terms of business results. How much additional money have you helped the business make. For example, ‘I single handedly helped bring in £10,000 in the last year,” Ms Weatherhead said.
Having a colleague in your corner who can vouch for you is vital.
‘Some employers won’t just take your word for it,’ she said. ‘They’ll need evidence and if you have senior colleagues in the business that will help fight your corner, bosses will be much more easily convinced.’
Crucially you must also ask at the right time. If your company has been performing poorly it will benefit you to wait for a few weeks for the dust to settle or for results to pick up.
But poor performance from your company should not always discourage you.
If you have been performing well then there is ‘every reason for the business to want to motivate you to continue to grow.’
February is usually the best month to ask for a raise because it is just before the end of the financial year and after the start of the year rush.
Never make your request a simple yes or no question. That could lead your employer to giving you bad news.
Never make your request a simple yes or no question. That could lead your employer to giving you bad news
Even if you are struggling financially, you should never make your request about personal needs or financial difficulty
Having a colleague in your corner who can vouch for you is vital
Rather ask if you could create a pathway that will get you to your wanted wage.
You should say ‘I am committed to creating significant value for the company, and I would like to discuss how we can establish a roadmap that ensures a fair share of that value is returned to me. I understand that this may not happen overnight, but I am eager to understand the steps we can take to achieve this together,’ according to Ms Weatherhead
Positioning your question in this way will emphasise mutual benefits and shows your dedication to the company, while also opening the door for a pay rise.
Even if you are struggling financially, you should never make your request about personal needs or financial difficulty.
‘You’re working in a business at the end of the day,’ the career expert said.
‘Steer clear of comparing yourself to colleagues or discussing others’ salaries. Additionally, refrain from making demands or ultimatums, as this may strain your relationship with your employer. Instead, focus on your achievements, value, and growth potential, and maintain a respectful and professional tone throughout the conversation.’
Ask your manager for specific reasons if they reject your pay rise request.
If you know how to improve you can set realistic goals and discuss a timeline for an increase in the future. This will show that you are committed.
Have an honest conversation with your boss if you feel that you are not making progress. Here would be a good time to reference what salaries you have seen elsewhere.
It is important to remember that everything is a negotiation in business and that you may not be happy with the pay increase even if you do get a rise.
Unless you are completely satisfied do not accept the first offer you are given and do not be afraid to ask for a backdated raise if you can properly justify it.
And make sure to express gratitude and remain professional and respectful in further discussions.
