Thinking of Asking for a Raise Before the Year Ends? Experts Share What to Say

The good news is that landing a pay bump often comes down to preparation, timing, and approach rather than luck. Here's what the experts say you should know before walking into that meeting.

You've been going the extra mile. You've been beating deadlines, smashing your KPIs, and staying late when you didn't need to. Your commitment to the company's goals is unquestionable, but your paycheck doesn't seem to reflect your efforts, does it?

Still, the thought of approaching your boss about a raise can be nerve-wracking — so much so that you might start doubting whether you even deserve one. If the idea of asking for a raise makes you nervous, you're not alone.

"It's money," says Jenn Smith, a career coach. "People find it hard to talk about money."

"They also fear rejection — or worse, that they'll lose their jobs," says Ana Goehner, a bilingual career strategist. On top of that, she adds, many people would simply rather avoid negotiating a new salary altogether.

Given today's economic climate, it may seem unlikely that your company has room to offer even a few extra dollars an hour. Still, none of these concerns should hold you back from requesting a raise.

"I like to say that you are your chief career officer," Goehner says. "Don't wait for someone else to see your value. If you don't advocate for yourself early, you may wait for a promotion for years. Managers promote those working the extra mile and those who show their work."

Put another way, if you've been putting in the work and collecting wins and recognition along the way, a salary boost could be well overdue. That leaves one big question: "How do I actually ask for a raise?"

Mastering this conversation is one of the most valuable career skills you can build, because if you don't champion your own worth, nobody else will. Here are a few expert tips to get you started.

Document and Highlight Your Achievements

When figuring out how to ask for a raise, you'll want to spotlight how strong your performance is in your role.

"Bring your achievements to the table," Smith says. "You don't want to say, 'Oh, I've been in this job for six months and I should get a raise.' You want to say something like, 'I've been in this job for six months; here are all the things I've accomplished. I've exceeded your expectations.'"

At its core, a compensation conversation is an opportunity to show just how much value you bring to the company.

Do Your Research

Alongside solid evidence of your impact, you'll want a clear picture of what professionals in your field with comparable experience are earning. Taking the time to do your research will help you understand the market value of your job and where you likely fall within a salary range, Smith explains.

Goehner suggests turning to salary websites to see whether you're being underpaid. She recommends narrowing your search by job title, years of experience, and location, as each of these can influence where you fall within your role's pay range.

Keep in mind, too, that salary bands can vary between organizations, so you'll need to consider whether your company tends to pay more or less than others in the industry.

Sam DeMase, a career expert at ZipRecruiter, stresses that whatever figure you arrive at should be specific, giving management a concrete sense of what you're looking for.

Be Mindful of Your Timing

Timing is critical when it comes to asking for a raise. Before you approach your manager about a salary increase, plan for the right moment. Smith suggests getting on your supervisor's calendar about six to eight weeks before your next performance review.

"That way, you're bringing up the conversation about compensation at a time when it's [likely] happening more broadly at the organization," she says.

Starting the conversation well ahead of your next review allows your boss ample time to get ready for the salary discussion. "You don't want to make it a surprise," Smith says. A little advance notice can also go a long way toward strengthening the relationship between you and your boss.

Be Confident, Not Entitled

How you approach the discussion matters just as much.

According to Smith, a collaborative conversation is the best approach. Ideally, you'll communicate your achievements and salary expectations in a way that strikes a balance between humility and confidence, she says.

That said, it helps to rehearse what you want to say before the meeting. And it's perfectly okay to still feel nervous when the time comes. At least you'll walk in prepared.

Asking for a raise may never feel completely comfortable, but it doesn't have to be a leap in the dark.

By gathering proof of your accomplishments, knowing your market value, choosing the right moment, and approaching the conversation as a collaboration, you give yourself the strongest possible chance of success.