No one wants to keep the same salary forever. At some point, you’ll likely want a salary raise. You won’t always get raises automatically– sometimes, you have to ask for them. Unless you continuously jump from job to job to pursue higher pay, you will probably have to negotiate better pay at some point.

Why You Should Negotiate Your Salary

Negotiating your salary is normal. As you gain skill and experience, your worth increases. The longer you’ve been with an employer, the more you should earn. However, sometimes, they wait for you to ask for those benefits and boosts to your pay. Thankfully, employers expect you to ask and you can use this to your benefit.

Preparing to Negotiate

Before you negotiate that higher salary, there are a few ways you can prepare:

Do your research

Start by doing your research. What is the normal salary range for your job, your location, and your experience? Knowing this gives you leverage in your negotiations– you will be able to refer to the amount of money that is standard in your area.

Know your worth 

Be honest with yourself when you start considering that value. Know your worth and stick to it. Don’t let yourself short-change what you are worth. If you devalue yourself, you won’t get what you deserve.

Create a range

When you have a general idea of what you are worth, you can start negotiations there. Have a range that you consider acceptable, and decide what you will do if you don’t get that amount from them. Are you happy continuing your employment if your requests for a higher salary are denied?

The Negotiation Process

After you’ve prepared, you can start the negotiation process. This requires you to know when to ask while also knowing how to ask.

When to ask for a raise

Generally speaking, after about a year, it is fair for you to ask for a raise. Many companies do annual reviews on their own, but if yours does not, you can bring it up yourself to get that increase of pay. This is especially true if your work has been excellent during that time, or if you have just finished a difficult project or you have taken on some new responsibilities.

How to ask for a raise

When asking, keep it based on your merit. Be direct, polite, assertive, and confident. Approach at a good time and ask your manager or boss for a raise. As you argue for it, point out all of the contributions that you have made to the company.

Generally speaking, you should be honest about why you want to speak. Mention that you want to discuss your salary and that you have done plenty to warrant it. If you have a specific amount in mind, you can name it if you want to, but this is not required.

If they say no, accept the answer and ask what you may need to do to warrant one in the future. If they say maybe, ask for when you can follow up.

Tips to Negotiate Your Salary 

Before you head out, there are a few simple tips that you can remember that will help you negotiate better and up your chances of success.

• Don’t unintentionally sell yourself short. Any negotiations should include your current benefits and salary before you offer an amount you want.
• Practice your speech before giving it. This can help you feel more comfortable with the process.
• Be gracious. Yes, you’re asking for higher pay, but you should also be thankful and appreciative.
• Be confident. Make sure that you present yourself confidently to show that you deserve the raise.
• You don’t have to accept the very first offer immediately. Take the time to consider it if you need to.
• Don’t forget to use your leverage. If you’re a valuable member of the team, you have more leverage than someone applying for the job externally.
• Remember, this is a negotiation. You can counter the offer in most cases.
• Don’t be afraid to ask. The worst your employer will say is no!

By putting these tips to work, you raise your chances of success at negotiating that higher salary. Good luck!