How to Negotiate a Pay Rise: Advice for Employees and Job Seeker

Asking for a pay rise can seem like an overwhelming step to take. You might be an employee who needs an increase in your pay but doesn’t want to end up in your manager’s bad books. Or perhaps you’re a job seeker wondering how to ask for a higher salary than the one advertised and still land the job.

The good news is that you’re well within your rights to ask for a pay rise and learning how to negotiate can only increase your value as an employee. The key to getting it right is preparation, self-knowledge, and a little time and effort.

Follow our six-step guide to improve your chances of landing that pay rise.

Research Salaries For The Job

Knowing what a typical salary is for the job puts you in a better position to ask for a pay rise. It means that your request is realistic and grounded in fact.

Here’s how to research salaries for the job:

• Use online sources to identify a typical salary for the job. Platforms like Glassdoor, Check-a-Salary, and PayScale can help, as can the social media platform LinkedIn. Industry specific websites and professional associations often publish salary surveys and reports.
• Investigate the company’s salary structure and policies. Understanding the typical salary range for your job within the organisation will clarify how much room there is to negotiate your pay.
• Make sure your research is specific to your industry. Salaries for the same job can vary across different industries and sectors.

Prepare Your Case

The next step is to identify your value as an employee or candidate and the reasons the employer should consider a pay rise. You might find it helpful to concentrate on your achievements to date, how you’ve arrived at the pay rise figure, and the ways you could contribute to the company in the future.

  Highlight Your Achievements And Contributions

As an employee, make a list of your achievements and how you’ve contributed to the company so far. Support this with any positive feedback or performance reviews you’ve received.

As a job seeker, showcase relevant achievements from your previous jobs or life experience that demonstrate your value.

  Present Your Salary Figure

Explain how you arrived at the salary figure you’re asking for. Mention the research you carried out and the market rates you discovered. This shows that your request isn’t unreasonable. It’s based on fact and the level of salary you could reasonably expect from another employer in the industry.

  Future Contributions To The Company

Prove to the employer that they’ll see a return on their investment in you. Explain how you plan to add value to the company. Make it clear that you’re committed to a career with the employer and that your values align with the company culture.

Choose The Right Moment

The timing of when you ask for a pay rise will depend on whether you’re an employee or a job seeker.

  The Right Moment As An Employeev

One of the best times to ask for a pay rise is during your annual performance review. Your employer is already focussed on your contributions to the company, making it an ideal moment to discuss your salary.

You could also raise the subject at the end of a successful project, when your value to the company is supported by your achievement.

Avoid asking for a pay rise when the company is experiencing financial instability, or your employer is making budget cuts.

  The Right Moment As A Job Seeker

The best time to negotiate a higher salary is after you’ve received a job offer from the employer, but before you’ve accepted it. You know that the employer is interested in recruiting you, so use that to your advantage.

This is also the best time to negotiate other working conditions too.

Practice Your Pitch

Just as it’s useful to prepare for a job interview, it’s also useful to prepare before you ask for a pay rise. Practicing your pitch will improve your confidence, reduce your nerves, and help you remember the points you want to include. Roleplaying with a friend or mentor may help, or you can record yourself speaking and listen back to it.

Don’t just practice your pitch. Consider how your employer may respond. What concerns or questions might they ask? Practice your answers to these too.

Remain Professional And Positive

Landing this pay rise or negotiating a higher salary than the one advertised may be a deal breaker for you. At the very least, more money will improve your quality of life. However, it’s important that you don’t let your emotions affect your request. Approach the conversation with a positive and professional attitude. Avoid comparing your situation to your colleagues. Instead, focus on the value you bring as an employee and the future contributions you can make to the company.

Be ready to listen to your employer’s response. If they can’t offer a pay rise straightaway, ask when it might be possible in the future.

Remember To Follow Up

Whether it’s a yes, no, or I’ll tell you soon, don’t forget to follow up after the meeting. That might be in writing or by email. Thank your employer or potential employer for their time and repeat key points from your discussion.

If you’ve agreed on a pay rise, confirm the details in your follow-up, such as the amount and the date it will take effect.

If you’re waiting for a decision, politely ask when you can expect a response.
If the answer is no, use the follow-up to ask for feedback on how you can improve and about future opportunities for a pay rise.

Wrapping it up

Negotiating a pay rise can be challenging but with the right preparation and timing, you can improve your chances of success. Remember to research salaries for your job, prepare your case thoroughly, and practice your pitch to boost your confidence. Remain professional and positive and whatever your employer decides, don’t forget to follow-up. Good luck.