It’s funny, but many people spend more time pondering how to bring the dreaded pay rise subject up with their boss than they do on all the other aspects of getting one combined. So you won’t be surprised when I say that “How do I approach my boss for a pay rise?” is one of the most common questions I get asked.
Fortunately, the answer is very simple. Once you have done all your preparation work, this is what I recommend:
“How do I approach my boss for a pay rise?”
The first thing to get right is your timing.
You want to choose a moment where your boss is clearly in a relaxed frame of mind. Try and notice if there is a pattern to when they tend to be in a good mood. Maybe it’s first thing in the morning before decision-fatigue sets in. Or after lunch before they get focused on dealing with the rest of the day’s problems.
You probably know your boss well by now, so you should be able to pick a good moment without having to wait weeks for the opportunity.
Then all you do is calmly and confidently walk up to them and say something along the lines of “I’d really like to talk about my salary with you – can I book a meeting with you next week?”.
Try to be as relaxed and matter-of-fact as you can, and remember to wear a smile as you talk. This is important as it makes sure the conversation sounds positive, in turn making it more likely that your boss will react positively in response.
Get the book – Because I’m Worth It: How to Ask for a Pay Rise
Why should you book the meeting a week ahead?
There are a couple of reasons for doing this:
One is to give your boss time to prepare, and to consider for themselves whether they probably should be paying you more, before you get stuck into a full-blown conversation about money. They can then discuss your pay with others, if needed, and it may put them in a better position to be able to say ‘yes’ when you subsequently ask for your pay rise.
The other reason is that it ensures your boss will feel in control of the situation. They may feel ambushed if you put them on the spot there and then, and this would make it more likely that they would react defensively – which isn’t good news for you.
By giving them the heads-up you are taking away this problem and setting the ball rolling.
What if your boss wants to discuss your pay right now?
This can certainly happen, especially if your boss is the sort who likes to act quickly and move on. It’s all about them feeling in control. And actually it can often be a good sign.
What it does mean is that you need to have done your preparation first.
This list will give you a feel for the sort of preparation you need to do.
It is just a taster, though – for a comprehensive guide, grab yourself a copy of “Because I’m Worth it: How to ask for a pay rise”.
It contains everything you need to quickly gain the skill and confidence to ask for a pay rise in the right way. Including more comprehensive advice on the question “How do I approach my boss for a pay rise?”
1. Work out exactly what you are worth now, and why
Check out job listings online to see what other companies in your industry are paying for similar positions. From this you can work out the going rate for your contribution (not forgetting the “special sauce” that only you bring to the party) and have the evidence at hand to prove it.
2. Consider all the key players involved, and how to handle them
What does your boss’s boss think of you? What about HR? Other managers? Do you need to mend any bridges or do they all think you are great?
3. Make it easy for your boss to want to say “yes”
One of the basics of asking for a pay rise is that you do have to be doing a good job. If you are also the one making your boss look good, and solving their problems for them, then even better.
4. Identify any potential hurdles, and work out a plan to get around them
Are you in a restrictive pay structure? Does a key member of staff not get on with you? Tackle these now.
5. Gather the right evidence to back up, and position, your request
What’s changed that means you should now be paid more? How have you developed? What extra value are you adding? What added responsibilities have you taken on?
6. Make sure you choose a good time to ask
Is the company doing well at the moment? Is your boss generally looking relaxed and positive? Or is the company going through a rocky patch?
7. Set things up so your meeting with your boss goes smoothly
Prepare well and make sure your boss sees the best of you in the weeks leading up to your meeting.
8. Have a great conversation with your boss to get to a “yes”
This, of course, is the real key.
The secrets to having a great conversation, giving you the best chance of getting the pay rise you deserve, can be found in my book: Because I’m Worth it: How to ask for a pay rise
Sorry to tease, but there is just too much to cover in a bullet point.
9. Follow up to make sure your pay rise actually happens
At the end of your conversation, when your boss has agreed to give you a pay rise, ask them this question: “What happens next?”
Then note down carefully anything you need to do, what they are going to do, and the timescales involved. You now know when you should politely chase up progress.
And, of course, don’t forget to thank your boss with a big smile.
The thought of approaching your boss for a pay rise can seem daunting, but it really doesn’t have to be. Especially if you are properly prepared.
Learn the secrets of asking for a pay rise in the right way by reading the book Because I’m Worth it: How to ask for a pay rise.
You can get your copy via this link: Because I’m Worth it: How to ask for a pay rise
Head back to the How to Ask For a Pay Rise home page.