Asking For a Pay Rise: How To Do It

The time has finally come. You’ve put in lots of hard work, now it’s time to ask for a pay rise. Easier said than done! How can you just go up to your boss and say: “Hello, I need a pay rise!”? Certainly not like that: that’s not the right method or the correct attitude.

It’s a delicate question and a very sensitive topic. So the best way to tackle it is to take the right precautions. Here are some of the best approaches to use when asking for a pay rise.

How to Ask for a Pay Increase: Some Useful Phrases

• “I need to talk to you about something very important to me, is this a good time?” This question is both polite and humble, and above all puts everything into perspective. While, on the one hand, it focuses attention on the fact that the matter is important, it also leaves the boss free to choose and shows concern for his work.
• “I have been working very hard recently, as we all have. Can I show you something?” In this way, you can arrange to meet your boss, and show him some real evidence of what you have achieved for the company. Once you’ve shown him everything, you can approach the subject of a pay rise.
• “Can you spare a moment to talk about a business matter? Whenever you have time, of course.” The boss is always in the position of power so he decides if and when to talk. This “business matter” is ostensibly in relation to company bonuses, although in fact it’s just a ruse to bring up the question of a pay rise. Again, remember to show concrete evidence of the way the company has benefited from your work.
• “Can I talk to you about a rather delicate matter?”  As we know, this “delicate matter” concerns a pay rise, and again you should justify your request for an increase in salary by showing him how hard you have been working.