How to Negotiate a Pay Raise
Let’s be honest—negotiating a pay raise can be intimidating. But here’s the thing: if you don’t advocate for yourself, who will? I want to share a story about how I successfully negotiated a raise, even when I didn’t quite meet the criteria, and ended up getting an even bigger bump in pay than I initially asked for. Spoiler alert: it’s all about preparation, confidence, and knowing your worth.
The Backstory
A while back, I found myself in a position where I felt I deserved a raise. I had been working hard, taking on additional responsibilities, and consistently delivering results that were above and beyond expectations. However, the company had specific criteria for raises, and on paper, I didn’t meet them. Still, I believed that my contributions warranted a pay increase, so I decided to go for it.
The Preparation
Before calling my boss, I knew I needed to be fully prepared. I wasn’t going to just waltz in and say, “Hey, I think I deserve more money.” I needed to present a strong case. So, I sat down and made a list of all the reasons why I believed I deserved a raise. Here’s what I included:
Quantifiable Results: I listed out specific examples of how my work had directly contributed to the company’s success. Numbers speak volumes, so I included metrics that demonstrated my impact.
Additional Responsibilities: I highlighted the extra tasks I had taken on that were outside of my original job description. This showed that I was going above and beyond what was expected of me.
Problem-Solving: I pointed out instances where I had solved problems or implemented solutions that saved the company time and money. Some of which were the very reasons I wasn’t meeting the criteria. My ability to problem-solve was hurting my ability to get the numbers.
Professional Development: I mentioned any additional training or certifications I had pursued on my own time to further enhance my skills and bring more value to the team.
Feedback from Others: I gathered positive feedback from colleagues and clients, showcasing how my work was appreciated and recognized by others.
The Conversation
Armed with my list, I scheduled a meeting with my boss. I was nervous, but I reminded myself that I had done the work and had a strong case to present. When the meeting started, I calmly and confidently laid out my reasons for why I believed I deserved a raise. I didn’t just focus on the tasks I had completed—I emphasized the impact of my work and how it aligned with the company’s goals.
I also made sure to frame the conversation in a way that showed I was invested in the company’s success. I wasn’t just asking for more money—I was asking for recognition of the value I was bringing to the table.
The Outcome
To my surprise, my boss was not only receptive to my points, but she also agreed that I had indeed gone above and beyond. After some discussion, she offered me a raise that was even higher than what I had originally asked for! It was a moment of validation and a reminder that sometimes, you have to be your own biggest advocate.
Tips for Negotiating Your Own Raise
Do Your Research: Understand the market rate for your position and experience level. This will give you a baseline for what to ask for.
Prepare Your Case: Just like I did, make a list of your accomplishments, contributions, and any additional responsibilities you’ve taken on.
Practice the Conversation: Rehearse what you’re going to say so that you feel confident and articulate when the time comes.
Be Professional: Keep the conversation focused on your contributions and the value you bring to the company, rather than personal reasons for wanting more money.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask: The worst that can happen is they say no. But if you don’t ask, you’ll never know.
Negotiating a pay raise might feel daunting, but it’s one of the most empowering things you can do for your career. In my current position as a Clinical Director, I’m now the one old-me would have gone to for a raise. To be completely honest, I have a million other things going on and most of the time I’m not going to give someone a raise (outside of their annual, scheduled review time) without them asking for it. Once they ask, I’m able to dig in to things and either give them the bump they’re looking for or tell them exactly what they need to do to earn it. If I’m not asked, it’s much less likely to happen.
Remember, you are your own best advocate. So, the next time you feel you deserve a raise, go for it—you might just end up with more than you ever expected!
