Asking for a Salary Increase: 4 Tips that Help You at the Interview

It’s something we all want, yet we all dread it most of the time because asking for a salary increase could be a little bit hard or awkward at times.

In order for you to be sure that your interview was a success and that you will get the increase you are asking for, you have to have the right attitude, the right body language, and, most importantly, keep your cool and not make it a stressful encounter between you and the other person. In today’s article, we will be taking a quick look at how to ask for a salary increase the right way and mentioning a few tips and tricks that are going to come in handy along the way.

Things to Consider Before Making the Request:

Before coming to such a decision, you have to have a few things in mind first. Without being considerate about the delicacy of the matter, you will probably fail, and your request will be rejected. So, before stepping into your boss’s office, think about the following first:

1. Is it the Right Time for Such a Request?

Timing is everything when it comes to asking for a salary increase. Usually, you bring up something like that with your boss right after you receive your performance evaluation. Then your boss would be in the right frame of mind. But, if you want to open up the matter with your boss privately and away from the evaluation meeting, you should pick a time when your boss is willing and ready to discuss the matter with you, evaluate your performance again, and see whether you deserve a raise or not and, if you do, how much it should be.

2. You Should Do Your Homework:

Asking for a raise is a decision that should be based on a lot of research on your end. Try to get an estimate of how many positive changes you have made for the company since your last raise. Figure out how much other employees are getting for the same amount of work you are putting in. Also, be willing and ready to take on more responsibilities in exchange for the salary increase you are getting. It’s best to consult a very trusted and experienced colleague of yours if it’s your first time asking for a salary increase.

3. Is Your Company Doing Good Financially?

This is a very important question to ask yourself before you make this leap of faith. As mentioned above, timing is everything. If your company is not really doing well financially, then it’s probably not the perfect time to ask for a salary increase from your boss, as it would make you sound selfish and inconsiderate. This is not the impression you want to give to your boss at a time like this, so in times of financial hiccups, keep that question to yourself and save it for a better day.

4. Practice Makes Perfect:

There is nothing better than coming in prepared for the battle. To ensure you are on the right track, try doing mock interviews with your friends or family. This way, you will be able to anticipate every possible reaction, question, and feedback from your boss. Plus, practicing the conversation well enough would make you a lot more confident.

Useful Tips to Make the Interview a Success:

As we promised at the beginning of the article, it’s time to learn about a few useful tips and tricks that will help you turn your interview with your boss into a success and gain a lot of positive outcomes, even if the answer is no.

1. Don’t Push it:

When you open up the subject with your boss, don’t be in an all-or-nothing mentality and burn all the bridges immediately. Instead, open up your ears and your mind a little bit more, listen to what your boss or any other party has to say, and understand where they are coming from, especially if the answer is no. If you didn’t get your salary increased now, it’s probably for the best because your boss definitely knows better. Be patient, because today’s failure could pave the way for a much bigger success than you think.

2. Know How Much Extra Money You Should Be Asking For:

Going into your boss’s office with all the confidence in the world to ask for a salary increase would be a total failure if you didn’t do the required research. Search the web to understand how much people with similar jobs and tasks are getting so you can have a clear idea of what’s fair and what’s not so you won’t seem greedy and mindless about the whole thing in front of your boss. The last thing you want to do in such interviews or conversations is give the wrong impression.

3. Know Why You Deserve the Salary Increase in the First Place:

Have a clear list of all of your qualifications and all the major and positive changes you have achieved for the company over the years. Your boss wouldn’t necessarily know how important you are and what you're worth to the company, and even if they did, they should know that you are aware of your worth. This list of accomplishments is a testimony to all of your hard work and loyalty to the company throughout the years you have spent working for them.

4. Write Yourself a Script if You Can:

If you have the right memory for it, writing and memorizing a script is the best way to ensure that what you say is all correct and on point. It’s your safest bet. Practice it in front of the mirror every day until the day of the meeting. Practicing in front of the mirror would help you prepare the correct body language, tone, and attitude for the interview.

Bottom Line:

It’s not the easiest of conversations out there, but when you come prepared with everything you might need to nail this interview, you will feel fine and confident no matter what the answer is.