Ask for a Raise or Promotion
Thirty-two easy ways to ask for a raise or promotion, with a simple plan and calm words that work.
Prepare, ask, listen. You deserve to try.
40 tips that really help
These ideas come from Crucial Conversations (Kerry Patterson and others), Nonviolent Communication (Marshall Rosenberg), Playing Big (Tara Mohr), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Ask for a raise or promotion
Raises are rarely offered unprompted; they are usually asked for. Preparing evidence and timing your request turns a nervous ask into a business conversation. Studies of salary negotiation, including work by Linda Babcock, show that people who ask tend to earn more over time.
Book a meeting with your manager and name the topic: “my role and pay”.
Know your market value
Check salary surveys and job ads.
Research three sources.
Collect your wins
List results with numbers.
Write five.
Collect feedback
Praise from clients and colleagues.
Save quotes.
Note extra responsibilities
What you took on.
List them.
Pick your number
A range with a target above your minimum.
Decide.
Pick your timing
After a success or at review time.
Choose.
Ask for a meeting
“Could we discuss my role and compensation?”
Send it.
Open with appreciation
Thank them for opportunities.
Start warm.
State the ask
“I’d like to be considered for £X.”
Say it.
Give your reasons
Two or three facts.
Share.
Stop and listen
Silence after your ask.
Wait.
Expect questions
Prepare answers.
Rehearse.
Avoid apologies
No “sorry to ask”.
Delete.
Avoid comparisons to colleagues
Focus on your value.
Stay on you.
Avoid ultimatums
Unless ready.
Be careful.
Avoid emotional reasons
Rent isn’t a business case.
Use results.
If the answer is yes
Thank them; get it in writing.
Confirm.
If the answer is not now
Ask for a plan and date.
Ask “What would it take?”
If the answer is no
Ask for feedback; plan next steps.
Stay calm.
Scene: annual review
Bring a one-page summary.
Print it.
Scene: after a big project
Ask while it’s fresh.
Request.
Scene: new responsibilities
Ask for title and pay.
Raise it.
Scene: you have another offer
Be honest and professional.
Discuss.
Scene: a tight budget
Ask for non-salary benefits.
Propose.
Scene: you're new
Wait for a track record.
Plan.
Scene: freelance
Raise rates for new clients.
Update.
Scene: part-time
Ask about hours or pay.
Discuss.
Scene: promotion
Describe the next role.
Define it.
Scene: a reorganisation
Clarify your role.
Ask.
Practise aloud
Rehearse the first minute.
Time it.
Practise with a friend
Role-play pushback.
Ask.
Prepare a fallback
What if no?
Plan.
Prepare your calm
Breathe, posture.
Practise.
Follow up in writing
Summarise.
Send.
Be patient
It may take time.
Keep going.
Seek help
Career coaches help.
Consider it.
Know your rights
Check pay laws.
Read.
Celebrate
You asked.
Mark it.
Close with confidence
Say, “I ask because I add value.”
Write it.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday situations.
“I would like to talk about my pay.”
“Here is what I have achieved this year.”
“What would help me reach the next level?”
“I am ready to take on more.”
“Thank you for considering this.”
“I appreciate your time.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
List your wins
Research the market
Pick a number
Book a meeting
Make your case
Stay calm
Follow up
Further reading
- Crucial Conversations (Kerry Patterson and others)
- Nonviolent Communication (Marshall Rosenberg)
- Playing Big (Tara Mohr)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Becoming More Assertive”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Ask for Help Without ShameNext: Ask for a Change in Behaviour →
- Passive, Aggressive or Assertive?
- Why You Struggle to Speak Up
- Assertive Does Not Mean Rude
- Your Rights in Any Relationship
- Where Your Pattern Began
- Spot Your Own Passive Habits
- The Respect Equation
- The Power of a Calm No
- Five Kind Ways to Say No
- Say No Without Over-Explaining
- Buy Time Before You Answer
- Say No to Family Gently
- Say No at Work Smartly
- Handle Guilt After Saying No
- Make a Clear Request in One Sentence
- Ask for Help Without Shame
- Ask for a Raise or Promotion
- Ask for a Change in Behaviour
- Ask for Space or Time
- Follow Up on a Request
- Accept a No Gracefully
- What Healthy Boundaries Sound Like
- The Broken-Record Technique
- Boundaries With Pushy People
- Boundaries With Friends and Family
- Boundaries Online
- When Someone Ignores Your Boundary
- Boundaries With Yourself
- The "I Feel, I Need" Sentence
- Respond to Criticism Calmly
- Give Honest Feedback Kindly
- Disagree Without a Fight
- Handle an Interrupter
- Stay Calm When Someone Gets Angry
- Start With Low-Risk Practice
- Rehearse With a Friend
- Use a Script for Tough Talks
- Review Each Conversation Kindly
- Celebrate Each Assertive Win
- Your Assertiveness Plan
