Is it awkward to ask for a raise? (2023)

How do you respond when a raise is not enough?

Thank your boss for the salary bump and recognition they've already given you, and then explain why you believe the number should be reconsidered. Share your big accomplishments, as well as the salary data you've gathered, to back up why you would like your manager to reconsider your raise.

Asking for a raise is a sign that you know what you're worth, and that's the sign of a professional who takes their career seriously. No matter how much you love your job and no matter how much your job loves you back, if you're underpaid, you're undervalued.

First, know that it's normal to ask.

As nervous as you might feel about asking for a raise, remember that it's a much less big deal for your boss. She deals with salaries all the time, and the subject isn't going to feel nearly as weighty or fraught to her as it does to you.

A good pay raise ranges from 4.5% to 5%, and anything more than that is considered exceptional. Depending on the reasons you cite for a pay raise and the length of time that has passed since your last raise, you could request a raise in the 10% to 20% range.

No. They should be open and willing to discuss why the employee thinks they deserve a raise. Any manager who would get annoyed or angry at an employee who asks for a raise should not be in management.

Although there's no law against it, firing employees simply for asking for a raise isn't a good business practice. You want to keep employees who put their best efforts into their job, and are willing to go the extra mile.

Your manager will most likely need to consult with HR or their manager before making any pay adjustment decisions. Keep in mind, your employer may not be able to accommodate your request due to budget or other factors.

Many career-builders turn squeamish when it comes to asking for a raise. The reasons include fear of rejection and discomfort about broaching the subject diplomatically. Often, it's hard pinpointing the exact reason.

Why do I feel nervous asking for a raise?

“The anxiety we feel about a raise often results from a struggle with self-esteem, feeling inadequate or unworthy,” Kaplan said. Again, try to get out of your head. “The request for a raise should be based on objective fact gathering and not on a self-assessment of worth,” Kaplan said.

Asking for a Raise is Normal

Asking for a raise may seem intimidating and uncomfortable, but it doesn't have to be. Some might think that asking for a raise seems greedy, but it's normal. Most managers would be reasonable and understand you're not being selfish; they understand that you work for money.

If you get a raise of $1 per hour, whether by getting a promotion or changing jobs, you get that dollar every hour you work. That's why measuring and tracking your earnings with care can add thousands of dollars to your pocket throughout your career. While $1 may not seem like much, it can add up to a lot over time.

You should work for at least one to two years without a raise. On average, waiting any longer than two years is too long, and working a job for three years without a raise is unacceptable.

What is a 3% raise of 20? 03*20=0.6, or 60 cents. Adding that to your current wage gives you $20.60. So, with a 3% pay increase, you now make $20.60 per hour.

Oftentimes, we avoid salary negotiation from a mistaken sense of fear; fear of somehow upsetting your future manager, fear of having the job offer pulled, fear of having your counteroffer rejected. Negotiation isn't rude. It isn't going to lose you your job offer.

Negotiating a salary is a crucial part of accepting a new position, but botching this step can cost a candidate the job. And even if the fallout isn't quite as severe, the outcome of salary negotiations can damage the employee's ability to succeed at work.

People feel like they can't or shouldn't negotiate, but companies expect you to negotiate. If higher pay isn't in the cards, you can also negotiate for those non-salary items.

It really depends. Some people feel you should take the first offer if you're happy with it. Never negotiate just for the sake of negotiating. Other people disagree with that position and believe anytime you're given the chance to negotiate, you should.

Your first counteroffer:

Do your skills exceed what's required of you? Start with a figure that's no more than 10-20% above their initial offer. Remember, you're applying for entry level, and you shouldn't expect something on the higher range. Consider negotiating lower if 10-20% places you above the average.

What percentage of raise is a promotion?

According to career site Zippia, job changers see their pay go up by nearly 15 percent, on average, when they land new roles. That's why it's so important to negotiate a salary increase when you're being promoted — your employer likely knows you'll get paid more if you took your talents elsewhere.

Lying in salary negotiation can cause 'serious consequences'

Employment attorney Robert Ottinger said Romero's conduct meets all the criteria for fraud, given he made a false representation to obtain money, and even went so far as to commit forgery.

Although it's very common for people to think that talking about their salaries or hourly rates with their coworkers can get them fired, no employer is legally permitted to terminate employees for this reason.

“It's really a personal choice depending on your relationship and how public the news is," says Pollak. But keep in mind that not sharing can be just as hurtful, in some cases. "No friend wants to feel that you excluded him or her from your career news because he or she isn't as successful,” says Pollak.

Unless you agreed in writing to keep your own salary confidential, then you should be free to exercise your right to disclose it. If you want to hedge, you could say, “I know for a fact that raises have been given.”

The general consensus from most professionals is to ask for a raise once a year. This allows you to generate results so you can prove your value to your employer. Additionally, most companies grant raises every year, making it more likely that you will receive the raise you desire.

The manager and HR team are responsible for identifying one or more of these key factors in determining salary increases and lobbying on behalf of the employee. Once a reason to give an employee raise has been identified, the next step is to decide on what type is warranted.

Demographic and market factors: Salaries are impacted by market and demographic factors like the availability of jobs, the number of available candidates for a particular job or the number of employees looking for the same education and skills.

It's always a good idea to ask for anywhere between 10% to 20% higher than what you're making right now. You may be able to ask for more based on your performance, length of time with the company, and other factors. Make sure you come prepared when you negotiate your raise and be confident.

What to say to justify a raise?

There are many reasons why your employer may not give you a raise, including performance-related concerns, the timing of your request, or the company's general financial health. It could be that your company is one of those with financial constraints, and nobody received an annual salary increase.

Simply say thank you for the offer, but that you need some time to think about it. Make sure you give a timeframe (two to three days is a good guideline) for when you will have your official answer, and ask for the offer in writing if you don't already have it. “Thank you for getting in touch!

Talk to Your Boss

You can start the process by writing your own, using your knowledge of your job and by researching job sites to see what other companies are looking for in people who do this work. Explain gently why you think you're entitled to a higher pay increase, and be prepared to argue your position.

Hi (Recipient's name), I recently received an offer for the position of (job name). While I am happy to accept, I would like to discuss with you the starting salary. Unfortunately, the starting salary is too low because (insert reasons).

People feel like they can't or shouldn't negotiate, but companies expect you to negotiate. If higher pay isn't in the cards, you can also negotiate for those non-salary items.

It really depends. Some people feel you should take the first offer if you're happy with it. Never negotiate just for the sake of negotiating. Other people disagree with that position and believe anytime you're given the chance to negotiate, you should.

How do you tell a candidate their salary expectations are too low?

“I just want to be honest with you. Your target salary is outside our range. If this is still negotiable, I would like to invite you for an interview and further discuss the role with you. If not, I understand and will not be wasting anymore of your time.”

Don't Quit Right Away.

Unless you have another secure job offer waiting for you, it's probably wise to avoid quitting in a huff. (In fact, think carefully before resigning dramatically, even if you do have an offer.)

No. They should be open and willing to discuss why the employee thinks they deserve a raise. Any manager who would get annoyed or angry at an employee who asks for a raise should not be in management. Only if the employee asks in an annoying way...

Send a short email indicating you are disappointed in the offer and ask if they can improve the offer so you can consider it. This email sends a powerful message while being respectful at the same time. It clearly communicates your disappointment and gives them an opportunity to reconsider.

Address the Situation Promptly

Don't wait until your next interview or scheduled conversation with the hiring manager. Email or call back as soon as you realize that you've lowballed yourself. They are likely taking the salary that you agreed to for budget approval, so the sooner you communicate, the better.