How to Ask for a Raise

Asking for a raise can feel intimidating, but it’s an important step in advancing your career and ensuring that you’re being compensated fairly for your work. Whether you’re feeling undervalued, taking on new responsibilities, or simply believe it’s time to be recognized for your contributions, asking for a raise requires both confidence and strategy.

However, if your efforts to get a raise are unsuccessful or if your current job just isn’t a good fit anymore, it may be time to consider looking for a new opportunity. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to approach asking for a raise with professionalism and, if needed, how to start searching for your next career move.

How to Ask for a Raise

If you feel you’ve outgrown your current compensation or you’ve been delivering exceptional results, asking for a raise is a reasonable step. Here’s how to do it with confidence and tact:

1. Do Your Research

Before you set up that meeting with your boss, do some market research to understand what the typical salary is for your role in your location and industry. Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, or LinkedIn Salary can give you a good benchmark.

• Consider your experience level: What’s your tenure in the role? How do your skills compare to others in the industry?

• Evaluate your company’s financial health: If your company is doing well and growing, that may make them more receptive to a raise.

• Prepare your case: Be ready to explain why you deserve a raise. Focus on your accomplishments, results, and any extra responsibilities you’ve taken on. Quantify your impact whenever possible. For example, "I increased sales by 15% in the past quarter," or "I’ve successfully led three major projects, all of which were completed ahead of schedule."

2. Timing Is Everything

Timing plays a critical role when asking for a raise. You’ll want to choose a time when:

• Your company is in a good financial position: If there have been layoffs or cost-cutting measures, your request might not be well-received.

• You’ve recently achieved something significant: If you’ve completed a major project or received positive feedback, that’s the perfect time to ask for a raise.

• Your boss is not overwhelmed: Avoid asking for a raise during particularly busy times or stressful periods. Aim for a time when your boss can focus on your request.

3. Prepare for the Conversation

The meeting should be professional and focused. Be confident, but also prepared for a range of responses. Here are some tips for the conversation:

• Be clear and direct: Start the conversation by stating that you would like to discuss your compensation and why you feel a raise is warranted.

• Present your research: Share the market data you’ve gathered and how your performance aligns with industry standards.

• Stay calm, even if you don’t get an immediate yes: If your boss needs time to think about it or gives you a "no," ask for constructive feedback. You can follow up by asking, “What steps can I take to reach the next level or make my case stronger for a raise in the future?”

4. What If You Get a "No"?

If the answer is "no," don’t be discouraged. Sometimes it’s just a matter of timing or company budget constraints. Here’s how to handle the situation:

• Ask for feedback: “I understand. What areas of my performance do you think I could improve on to make a raise possible next time?”

• Request a timeline: Ask when it would be appropriate to revisit the conversation in the future and what goals you should focus on to make your case stronger.

• Evaluate your options: If the raise is repeatedly delayed, or if your company isn’t open to adjusting your compensation, it might be time to consider your options.

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What to Do If You Need to Find a New Opportunity

If you feel like asking for a raise is futile or if you’re not happy with your current role anymore, searching for a new job could be the next best step. Here’s how to get started:

1. Assess Why You Want a New Job

Before diving into the job search, take a moment to understand the underlying reasons you want to leave. Is it about compensation, growth, company culture, or something else?

• Low pay: If your compensation is the primary issue, and your company is unwilling to accommodate, it might be time to look for a role that offers a competitive salary.

• Lack of growth: If there’s no room for advancement, you may need to find an employer that offers more opportunities for learning and career progression.

• Poor company culture: Sometimes, it's not about the money but about the workplace environment. If you’re feeling unappreciated, or if the company’s values clash with yours, it’s worth considering a move.

2. Start Networking

Networking is one of the most powerful ways to find a new opportunity. Here’s how you can leverage it:

• Update your LinkedIn profile: Make sure it reflects your latest skills, accomplishments, and roles. Many recruiters look for candidates on LinkedIn.

• Reach out to your professional network: Let trusted colleagues, mentors, and connections know that you're exploring new opportunities. A recommendation or referral from someone within your network can increase your chances of landing an interview.

• Attend industry events: Virtual webinars, conferences, or networking events can provide new connections and job leads.

3. Use Job Boards to Find Your Next Role

Once you’ve determined what you’re looking for, job boards can help you find the right opportunities. Here are a few to consider:

• ClickClickJobs.com: A great platform for finding new roles across various industries. Use filters to narrow down positions by location, salary, and type of job. You can also set up alerts to be notified of relevant opportunities.

• Indeed: One of the largest job boards out there, Indeed aggregates thousands of job listings daily. Upload your resume and apply directly to jobs that match your skills.

• LinkedIn: Don’t just network — LinkedIn’s job search feature is one of the most comprehensive. You can apply to roles directly through the platform, and many employers actively recruit candidates via LinkedIn.

• Glassdoor: Not only can you find jobs, but Glassdoor offers reviews, salary information, and company insights. This can help you evaluate potential employers before making the jump.

4. Polish Your Resume and Cover Letter

Once you've found a job or two that pique your interest, it’s time to update your resume and tailor your cover letter to each position. Highlight relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments that match the job description. Also, be sure to include any new certifications or skills you've gained during your current job.

5. Prepare for Interviews

When you start getting interview calls, be ready. Here’s how to prepare:

• Research the company: Understand their mission, products, and culture. Be ready to explain why you want to work there and how your experience fits their needs.

• Practice common interview questions: Prepare to answer questions like, “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want to leave your current job?” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

• Be ready to negotiate: If you receive an offer, be prepared to discuss salary, benefits, and other job perks.

Whether you’re asking for a raise or considering a job change, it’s important to advocate for yourself and your career goals. Know your worth, have a clear sense of what you want, and approach the situation with confidence and professionalism.

• If you’re asking for a raise, do your research, present your case, and be patient. Even if the answer is "no," don’t be discouraged — there’s always room for growth.

• If it’s time to find a new opportunity, leverage job boards like ClickClickJobs.com, Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor to find roles that align with your values and career goals.

No matter the situation, remember that you have the power to shape your career. Whether it’s through negotiating a raise or finding a better opportunity, your next move is within your control.

Good luck with your career journey!