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I Think I Deserve a Raise. How Do I Bring it Up to My Boss?

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Asking for a raise can be a terrifying ordeal. You know you deserve it, but asking for what you want and need is hard. In 2022, there are plenty of signs that this is the year to go for it. U.S. companies have resigned themselves to paying 3.4% more on average on raises this year. This is happening, in part, because a record number of people quit their jobs in 2021.

This is the year to ask for what you deserve. Here are some tips for how to do it.

How to Ask for a Raise in 2022

If you’re ready to speak up for what you want, the first thing you should do is write out a list of accomplishments that show you deserve it. Ideally, this kind of “brag book” should be a running tally throughout the year. It’s harder to go back and remember everything you facilitated after the fact.

There are also plenty of online tools that should give you a sense of whether your salary is in line with the typical average in your geographical area. For example, Glassdoor has average salary by region for many types of jobs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also has helpful information.

Also, consider the context of when you are asking for a raise along with the state of the company itself. Are raises generally given once a year? Usually, raises are tied to evaluations. If you’re not sure, it’s okay to ask your peers or even your manager, “If I ever wanted to have a conversation about my salary and responsibilities, when does that generally happen?”

Set a time with your boss to talk about the raise. Take into account your bosses’ personality here. Some straightforward employers will require that you don’t beat around the bush. Set an hour with the objective that you’re interested in reviewing your salary and job responsibilities. Others may be more approachable, so you can be a bit more casual. Either way, go into this meeting armed with a clear sense of what you want and what you think you deserve. Leave emotionalism out of the equation, clearly state your case, then sit back and wait for your employer’s response. However, you should also prepare yourself for step two: What will you do if your boss turns down your raise?

What if My Boss Turns Down My Raise?

The reality of asking for a raise is you have a 50/50 shot of getting it. Give some thought as to what could happen when you ask:

  • Your employer could give you more than you hoped for.
  • Your boss could give you less.
  • Or, your employer could say no to your request.

Consider your response to all three of these scenarios. We recommend never threatening to quit in these situations. While that may feel great in the moment, it could create an ill feeling or threaten your boss—who could react by firing you. Don’t put yourself at risk. Take a deep breath. If your boss flat out turns down your raise, you have more options than you might realize.

Contact Our Recruiters for More Salary Advice

Your first and best option is always to reach out to a recruiting company like ADD STAFF. We work with top employers to help them find great talent. We’re here to help match you to a better opportunity. How can we help you today?

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