Here's how you can effectively present your case for a salary increase during a negotiation.

To effectively present your case for a salary increase during a negotiation, start by thoroughly researching industry standards and your company’s compensation structure. Prepare a clear, compelling argument that highlights your achievements, contributions, and the value you bring to the organization. Use specific examples and quantifiable results to support your case. Be confident but also open to dialogue, and practice active listening to understand your employer’s perspective. Propose a reasonable salary range based on your research, and be prepared to discuss non-monetary benefits as part of the negotiation. Maintain a professional and positive demeanor throughout the conversation.

Asking for a raise requires you to know how valuable you are to your organization. Find out what the industry and geographic average compensation range is for a position similar to yours. Consider your accomplishments, your duties, and the special abilities you offer. Prepare a brief explanation of how your contributions have improved the bottom line or overall effectiveness of the business. This preparation demonstrates your knowledge and sincerity regarding your desire.

I’ve always found it crucial to research industry standards and gather data on what others in similar roles are earning. Also, check with your HR department. They may be able to assist you in this regard. I’ve worked with a HR department that had this data for the industry and position, and how the company compared. This preparation gave me confidence and a solid foundation to present my case to my hiring manager, leading to a successful salary negotiation.

I usually wait for performance reviews or after completing a significant project successfully to present my case for a raise. This timing helped me demonstrate my value and made my request more impactful. The timing related to the business landscape is important as well. Getting a pay bump during a downturn driving budget cuts is challenging, but not impossible if you can show your worth.

You should be setting goals for yourself, not only performance goals aligned with and often driven by the company, but also personal performance and development goals. Include your short and long term financial goals in this as well.

Having a Plan B is essential in any negotiation tactic, not just salary increases. If a salary increase wasn’t immediately possible, I was ready to negotiate other forms of compensation. One of those could even be a title bump, say from supervisor to manager, with a delayed pay increase. Zig Ziglar said it best, “When you do more than you are paid to do, the day will come when you are paid more for what you are doing.”