What do you do if your performance in cybersecurity deserves a raise?

Gather Proof: Track your achievements (e.g., prevented breaches, improved security posture). Research Market Rates: Find out what similar roles pay in your area. Schedule a Meeting: Talk to your manager about your value and what you've accomplished. Be Confident: Highlight your skills and contributions. Negotiate calmly and fairly.

When looking to value your work performed for a raise, you need to step back from your field of view and start thinking like the business. How did the work that I performed save money, drive more revenue, help bring in deals faster, etc? Then, you use those approximate numbers to help justify how your continued support can continue to keep up those numbers.

Many times, in cybersecurity, we forget to document the value that our work delivers for the organization. We think that because it's just part of the process, we can't claim it as our own. Yes, you can! How did you participate? Did you drive the project forward? Did you find faults and make improvements? Document your findings! Document how it can alter/improve things like revenue, deal speed, etc.

To present a convincing argument for a raise, it's essential to provide evidence of your contributions to the company. Document specific instances where your skills have made a tangible impact, such as enhancing system security or efficiently resolving critical incidents. Additionally, keep a record of any certifications or training you've completed to further develop your expertise in cybersecurity. By showcasing these achievements during negotiations, you demonstrate your dedication to personal and professional growth, as well as the valuable outcomes you've delivered for the organization.

In cybersecurity, timing can be as crucial as the technical work itself when it comes to discussing raises. Like following are the keys: Stable Periods: It’s best to approach this subject during stable times in your company when management isn’t overwhelmed with immediate crises or major organizational changes. After Major Achievements: If you’ve recently had a significant success, like thwarting a major cybersecurity threat, use this as leverage.

When to ask for a raise is a vital aspect to consider. You don't want to ask for a raise when you know that the organization has significant budgetary constraints; however, if you are involved in projects that bring revenue to the organization, asking when that deal materialized is just the right time.

Skilled, experienced and good cybersecurity professional are scarce. And it is a nervously tiring job. Know your value. Benchmark yourself on the market, regularly go to job interviews, look at what other companies offer as a salary and benefits - all things being equal, compare what is comparable. If you can, get a firm job offer and use it as a leverage but use it at your own risk - your employer might say goodbye: what do you decide?

When you believe your performance deserves a raise Not in cybersecurity but in any field focus on these points :- Reflect on your achievements and contributions. Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your value to the organization. Investigate the market rate for your role and gather data on average salaries for similar positions in your industry. Request a raise when the company is doing well.