Asking for a raise can feel daunting, even for seasoned professionals. But if you’ve been performing well, taking on more responsibility, or contributing significantly to your team’s success, it’s completely appropriate to ask for your compensation to reflect that. With the right preparation and approach, you can make your case with confidence.
This guide breaks down how to ask for a raise—plus provides word-for-word script examples to help you start the conversation.
1. Know When to Ask
Timing can significantly impact how your request is received. Consider these optimal times:
- After a successful project or performance review
- During annual salary review periods
- When you’ve taken on new responsibilities or a promotion in role but not pay
- If market data shows you’re underpaid
Avoid asking during company budget freezes, layoffs, or poor performance periods.
2. Do Your Research
Know what your role is worth:
- Use websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, or LinkedIn Salary to benchmark your position.
- Understand your company’s financial health and recent raises given to others, if possible.
- Collect evidence of your accomplishments, KPIs met, and any quantifiable impact.
3. Prepare Your Case
Be ready to clearly show:
- How your role has evolved or expanded
- Specific achievements and outcomes you’ve delivered
- Positive feedback from colleagues or clients
- Market salary comparisons for similar roles
4. Practice Your Pitch
Rehearse what you plan to say. You can role-play with a friend, mentor, or even record yourself to improve your tone and clarity.
5. Set Up the Meeting
Don’t spring your raise request on your manager unexpectedly. Instead:
- Send a calendar invite or ask for a private meeting.
- Example:
“Hi [Manager’s Name], I’d like to schedule a brief meeting to discuss my role and compensation. Would sometime this week work for you?”
6. Use the Right Language (Script Examples)
Here are some effective scripts you can use in different scenarios:
A. General Raise Request Script
“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. Over the past [X] months, I’ve taken on additional responsibilities including [examples], and I’ve consistently achieved/exceeded my goals. Based on my contributions and market data for this role, I’d like to discuss the possibility of a salary adjustment.”
B. Post-Successful Project Script
“Following the completion of [Project Name], which led to [result], I’ve had a chance to reflect on the value I bring to the team. I’d appreciate the opportunity to revisit my compensation to better align with my current contributions and responsibilities.”
C. Market Comparison Script
“I’ve done some research on salary benchmarks for similar roles in our industry, and I’ve found that my current compensation is below the market average for someone with my experience and skills. I’d like to explore how we can adjust my salary to stay competitive.”
D. After More Responsibility (Without Title Change)
“Over the last few months, I’ve taken on duties typically associated with [position or level], such as [responsibilities]. I believe it would be fair to have a conversation about adjusting my compensation to reflect these changes.”
7. Be Professional—Regardless of the Outcome
If the answer is yes—great! Be gracious and thank your manager.
If the answer is no:
- Ask for specific feedback on what you can work on.
- Request a timeline to revisit the discussion (e.g., in 3 or 6 months).
- Stay positive and professional to keep the door open for future opportunities.
Example:
“Thank you for considering my request. I’d love to understand what steps I can take to be considered for a raise in the near future.”
8. Follow Up in Writing
After your meeting, send a follow-up email to recap the discussion and any agreed next steps. This keeps things clear and documented.
Final Thoughts
Asking for a raise isn’t just about money—it’s about knowing your worth and advocating for yourself. With preparation, professionalism, and the right mindset, you can turn a nerve-wracking conversation into a career-advancing moment.
