When Do I Ask for a Salary Raise?

Today, I’m about to spill some juicy secrets that HR might not want you to know about asking for a salary raise. So, let’s get real—just because you feel you deserve more doesn’t mean you should waltz into your Line Manager’s office—timing is everything!

When is the right time to ask for a salary raise?

The Right Time to Strike

First off, let’s get one thing straight: asking for a raise is not like asking your friend to lend you money for the latest phone. You need to know when the stars align! So I will be sharing you some few key moments to consider:

• After a Big Win: Did you just close a major deal or complete a project ahead of schedule that made your boss look like a superstar? This is your moment to shine! Capitalize on your recent successes. Approach your boss like a peacock spreading its feathers—confident and proud.
• Performance Review Season: We already in the last quarter of the year where annual performances are reviewed. This is your golden ticket. Prepare your case like you’re gearing up for a big final exam—highlight your achievements and contributions.
• Market Changes: If you’ve done your homework and discovered that your role is underpaid compared to industry standards, you might have a strong case. Just remember, presenting facts is more persuasive than saying, “But my friend earns more, and he doesn’t even work half as hard!”
• Increased Responsibilities: If you’ve taken on extra tasks or leadership roles, it’s time to have that conversation.

Prepare Your Case

Before you march into your Supervisor's office, prepare like you’re auditioning for a Nollywood movie. You need a script! Now, let’s talk strategy.

?? Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse what you want to say. You don’t want to sound like you’re just winging it—be confident and articulate your value clearly.

?? Highlight Your Contributions: Bring up your achievements and how they’ve positively impacted the company. Did you increase sales, improve team morale, or save the company money? Have your facts straight. Make it clear that you’re not just another face in the crowd. This isn’t just guesswork; it’s about bringing data to the table!

?? Know Your Worth: Research what others in your field are earning. This will give you a solid foundation for your request. Think of it like knowing the current price of garri before entering the market—nobody wants to be cheated!

?? Stay Professional: No matter how frustrated you might feel, keep emotions in check. Even if you’re boiling over because your boss keeps mispronouncing your name, it’s important to keep your cool. This isn’t the moment to bring up every little annoyance!

What Not to Do

? Don’t Demand: Asking for a raise isn’t shouting, “I deserve this!”. Approach it calmly and with respect.

? Avoid Comparisons: Saying “My friend in another company makes X amount” is a no-go. Focus on your own contributions rather than others’ salaries.

? Timing is Key: Don’t ask when the company is stressed or during a financial downturn. You wouldn’t want to ask for a raise when everyone in the office is on edge like waiting for the next episode of a popular series!

The Follow-Up

If the answer you were given is “not right now,” don’t take it personally. Ask for feedback on what you can do to position yourself for a raise in the future.

So, my dear readers, when do you think is the right time to ask for a salary raise? Have you ever navigated this tricky conversation? Share your experiences and let’s discuss!

Until next time,

HR Tales to Tell with Retta!

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