How to Ask For a Raise Without Coming Off As "Entitled"

If you feel you’re not getting the salary you should be, you’re not alone. 43% of Americans believe that they are underpaid. But most of us rarely ask for a raise for fear of coming across as entitled or arrogant. So, we’ve put together the following tips to help you ask for a raise in a way that shows you deserve it. How to lay the groundwork before asking for a raisernTo make sure your request for a raise comes across as a natural progression, rather than an ego trip, discover if your work deserves higher pay before you bring it up with your manager. 1. Find out what you’re worthrnSites like salary.com and payscale.com compare your pay with that of similar positions. rnTip: Get the most accurate view by including comparison information such as: ❏ Locationrn❏ Education levelrn❏ Time with companyrn❏ Extra perks 2. Broadcast your winsrnCommunicating your successes to your boss will make it easier for them to recognize your value and help them to see you as deserving. Tip: When working on important projects: ● Send updates at important milestones during important projectsrn● Organize regular one-to-one meetings to report on your progress 3. Choose the right timernEvery company will have a budget cycle for major financial decisions. Putting your request in at the appropriate time will increase its chances. Tip: Ask a colleague who has been with the company for a while about the budget cycle 4. Increase your perceived valuernTaking courses to upskill and increase your productivity is something which benefits your company and deserves to be rewarded. Tip: On your next performance review ask your manager what areas you should improve or which professional development opportunities you can pursue rn5. Use non confrontational language rnA few subtle changes of phrasing can present your request in a more positive light and stop you from sounding entitled. rnTip: Instead of saying things like “I believe I’m due a raise" try phrases such as “I think a conversation about my salary is fair." 6. Speak “communally”rnThis demonstrates that you see the negotiation in terms of achieving common goals for both you and the company. 6 Tip: Be sure to use we, our and us. 7. Make use of evidencernProviding statistical evidence of your value makes it easier for management to pitch your case to other stakeholders. Tip: Use the difference between projected targets and final results to create easily scannable percentages. 8. Offer them a quick resolutionrnThis demonstrates that you’re not trying to extort the company and that you are only trying to get the raise you think you deserve. Tip: Be sure to consider the final salary package that you would be comfortable with and offer to settle for that. 9. Leave room to negotiaternBy being flexible you don’t come across as entitled and it gives you the best chance of a positive outcome. Tip: Put your initial quick resolution offer at the higher end of what you expect but don't issue ultimatums. 10. Be thankful to those who have got you therernThis demonstrates that you have gratitude for the position you hold and the salary you currently receive. Tip: Acknowledge that the company, and your manager in particular, has helped you reach this level of skill. 11. Connect your contribution to the organization’s performance rnIt’s easy to see a salary increase as a purely personal event, but according to entrepreneur Jason Nazar: “Your best bet is to connect what you're doing to the company's most critical metrics." Nearly 2 in every 3 American workers never ask for a raise even though 70% of those who do ask receive a better salary. If you’re worried about coming off as entitled or greedy, follow these steps to demonstrate to your manager that you deliver great value to the company and deserve to be rewarded properly. Check out the full infographic, which includes even more tips on how to follow up with your manager after you've made your request: https://resume.io/how-to-ask-for-a-raisern