Not Sure When To Ask for a Raise? These 5 Tips Will Help You Nail It
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1. Right After You Crush a Big Win
👉 In a Nutshell: Ask for a raise when your value is fresh in everyone’s mind.
You just finished something big.
Something that saved the company time, money, or a major headache.
That’s your moment.
Why?
Because everyone’s looking at you like, “Damn, they really did that.”
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Track the Win: Write down the results you created or the problem you solved.
Step 2: Pick Your Moment: Ask within a few days while the win is still fresh.
Step 3: Make It Clear: Let them know how your work helped and why it matters.
2. During Your Annual or Performance Review
👉 In a Nutshell: Your scheduled review is basically a raise invitation waiting to happen.
This is the one time of year when talking money is expected.
No one thinks you’re out of line.
It’s like bringing a gift to a birthday party. You’re supposed to.
So, don’t walk in with just “thanks,” walk in with receipts.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Prepare Your Case: List your wins and new skills from the past year.
Step 2: Time It Right: Bring it up after your boss says you’re doing a great job.
Step 3: Be Direct: Say you’d love to discuss a raise based on your growth.
3. When the Company Is Doing Well Financially
👉 In a Nutshell: A raise is easier when your company has money to spend.
Let’s be real. No company gives raises when they’re broke.
If you just saw them land a new deal or expand the team, that’s a green light.
That means there’s room in the budget.
So ask when the wallet’s open, not when it’s on lockdown.
Even your boss is more generous when the numbers are looking good.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Pay Attention: Look for signs like new hires or big projects launching.
Step 2: Start the Conversation: Mention the good news and connect it to your performance.
Step 3: Ask Confidently: Say, Now feels like a great time to talk.
4. After You’ve Taken On More Responsibility
👉 In a Nutshell: If your job got bigger, your paycheck should too.
They gave you more work?
Cool.
But if they didn’t give you more money with it, we’ve got a problem.
More tasks, more pressure, more responsibility = more dollars.
You’re not doing two jobs for the price of one.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: List What’s New: Write down all the extra stuff you’re handling now.
Step 2: Compare Titles: Look up what people with those tasks get paid.
Step 3: Make Your Case: Tell them your role has grown, and it’s time your pay did too.
5. When You Know Your Market Value Has Increased
👉 In a Nutshell: If people like you earn more, you should too.
Let’s not play.
You’re not stuck with your current paycheck just because it’s what you’ve always made.
Jobs evolve.
Industries change.
And sometimes you find out people doing what you do are making way more.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Do Your Homework: Check sites like Glassdoor or Levels. FYI for pay data.
Step 2: Print the Proof: Bring it with you if you need backup.
Step 3: Talk Numbers: Say you’ve researched your role’s value and want to align with the market.
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