How to ask for a raise
Training 535 minuteshow to ask for a raise
You are 32, a support team lead. Two years without a raise, even though you trained three new hires and cut customer response time in half.
Training goal: Get paid for the value you bring
▶ Play this trainingSituation
1. You are frustrated and want to see your boss today.
- Go now while the nerve is there
- Gather results in numbers and market pay data
- Wait silently until someone notices
2. When to ask? Tomorrow is the quarterly report and everyone is stressed. Performance reviews are in two weeks.
- Book a meeting before reviews and budgeting
- Catch the boss in the hallway tomorrow
- Ask in the team group chat
3. In the meeting the boss asks: "What number do you have in mind?" You earn $3,000.
- Say "whatever you think is fair"
- Name $3,450 and explain why
- Threaten to quit unless you get $4,000
4. The answer: "There is no budget right now."
- Feel hurt and coast at work
- Agree and drop the subject
- Ask: what results by what date earn the raise
What you will learn
- Bring numbers: your results and market pay.
- Ask before budgets are set and name a specific number.
- Turn a "no" into a plan with a goal and a date.
Your real-life step
Start a "my wins" file and log every result with a number. In 3 months your case is ready.
Questions and answers
How do I ask for a raise?
Book a meeting, show results in numbers, name a specific figure and ask what it would take to get there.
How much of a raise should I ask for?
For the same job, often 3 to 5%. If your role has grown or you are below market, 10 to 20%.
What if my raise request is denied?
Ask what results are needed and by when. If there is no clear answer, explore the job market.
More trainings in this module
Numbers are illustrative. A game, not financial advice.