Here's how you can secure a raise in your current position.

1 Know Your Worth

Understanding your value within your company is the cornerstone of negotiating a raise. Research the typical salary range for your role in the industry and region. Reflect on your achievements, responsibilities, and the unique skills you bring to your position. If you've taken on more work or have significantly improved your performance, make sure to document these accomplishments. This evidence will serve as the foundation for your request and help you articulate why you merit an increase in pay.

2 Timing Matters

The timing of your request can significantly influence its outcome. Aim for a period when your contributions are fresh in your manager's mind, such as after a successful project completion or during performance reviews. Also, consider the company's financial health; it's best to ask for a raise when the organization is doing well financially. Avoid times of budget cuts or layoffs, as your request may be seen as out of touch with the company's current state.

3 Prepare Your Case

Before approaching your boss, prepare a clear and concise case for your raise. This should include your accomplishments, how you've exceeded expectations, and any additional responsibilities you've taken on. Think about what you've done to save the company money, improve processes, or contribute to revenue growth. Being able to quantify your contributions with concrete examples will make a more compelling argument for why you deserve a raise.

4 Practice Diplomacy

When you're ready to discuss your raise, approach the conversation with diplomacy. Be respectful and professional, and express appreciation for your current position and salary. Emphasize your commitment to the company and your desire to continue contributing at a higher level. Avoid ultimatums or comparisons with colleagues, as this can come across as confrontational and may hinder your chances of success.

5 Follow Up

After you've presented your case, give your manager time to consider your request. They may need to discuss it with higher-ups or review the budget. If you don't receive an immediate answer, it's acceptable to ask when you might expect to hear back. Following up shows that you are serious about the raise and ensures that your request stays on their radar. However, be patient and avoid pestering your boss, as this could negatively impact their decision.

6 Expand Skills

While waiting for a response or if your initial request is not immediately granted, focus on expanding your skill set. Take on new projects, enroll in relevant courses, or seek certifications that can enhance your expertise. By continuously improving and updating your abilities, you make yourself an even more valuable asset to the company. This ongoing commitment to personal growth can strengthen your case for a raise in the future.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?