How to Ask for a Raise (and Get a Yes)

Talking about money at work can feel intimidating — but staying silent could cost you thousands of dollars over the course of your career. The truth is, most employers won’t automatically give you a raise unless you ask for one.

Here’s how to approach the conversation with confidence — and dramatically improve your chances of hearing “yes.”

Step 1: Track Your Wins

Keep a running log of your contributions. Highlight metrics that show real value — cost savings, project completion, process improvements, customer praise.

💡 Example: “Since taking on Project X, I streamlined our process and saved the team 20 hours per month.”

Step 2: Research Your Market Value

Visit sites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and Salary.com to see the going rate for your role in your location and industry. Having data-backed numbers removes guesswork and makes your request objective.

Step 3:Be Seen and Present

If you want leadership to see your value, you must stay visible.

• Speak up in meetings and share progress updates.

• Send weekly summaries of your accomplishments and upcoming work.

• Volunteer for stretch assignments that let you demonstrate new skills.

💡 Why this matters: Being present and proactive keeps your contributions top-of-mind when compensation decisions are made.

Step 4: Choose the Right Timing

The best time to ask is:

• After a major win or successful project

• During annual performance reviews or budgeting season

• When your manager has the mental bandwidth to consider it

Step 5: Prepare Your Script

Rehearse a short, confident request:

“I’ve really enjoyed contributing to the team, and based on my results and market benchmarks, I’d like to discuss a raise of [specific amount or percentage].”

Avoid apologizing or downplaying your request — you’re advocating for fair pay, not asking for a favor.

Step 6: Follow Up

If the answer is “not now,” ask what milestones you need to hit and agree on a timeline to revisit the conversation. This shows professionalism and persistence.

Final Thoughts

You can’t control the budget, but you can control how you present your case. When you prepare with data, practice your delivery, and pick the right moment, you set yourself up for success.

📅 Want to practice your raise conversation before you go to your boss? Book your free 15-minute session at EricSunkelCoaching.com/services and walk in with confidence.