How to Get the Pay Rise You Deserve

Discussing salary can often feel uncomfortable, but it's important to ensure you’re being compensated fairly for your skills and experience. If you’ve been working hard and feel you deserve a raise, it’s time to break the taboo and initiate that important conversation. Here's how you can effectively secure the pay rise you deserve.

Know your worth

Preparation is key when asking for a raise. Don't let self-doubt or impostor syndrome cloud your judgment - recognise the value you bring to your company. Understand that your employer may not have already calculated the raise you deserve, so it's essential to come prepared with your own research.

To get a sense of your market value, consider these strategies:

• Review job advertisements for similar roles to understand pay scales within your industry.
• Consult your HR department to learn how pay increases are typically determined in your company.
• Utilise online salary checkers, such as Glassdoor or Payscale, to get insights into average salaries for your role.
• Stay informed about industry trends and how the market is evolving. Your recruiter can also be a valuable resource to understand the going rate for your skills and experience.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that salary variation can be significant depending on several factors, such as the size of your company, your specific responsibilities, and your skill set compared to the broader market. Tailor your expectations based on these considerations.

Choose the right time and place to ask

Timing is crucial when it comes to salary discussions. Liz Ryan, CEO and Founder of Human Workplace, recommends the following optimal moments to bring up a pay rise:

• 90 days before your annual review
• When starting a large, important project
• When you take on additional responsibilities or a heavier workload
• When your boss acknowledges your contributions to the company

Psychology Today also suggests that Thursdays and Fridays are ideal days for salary discussions, as people are often eager to tie up loose ends before the week ends—this could include addressing your request.

Before you schedule a meeting with your manager, consider the company’s current position. Is it a good time for the organisation to discuss pay increases? Are they in the middle of a successful period or dealing with challenges? Being empathetic to your employer’s perspective can make all the difference.

As for location, choose a neutral and comfortable space for the conversation. A setting where your manager is relaxed and away from their desk can make them more likely to be open to your request.

Make a strong case for your raise

When the moment arrives, make sure you’ve prepared a solid, well-reasoned case for why you deserve a raise. Length of service or personal needs—such as paying for a new home or a child's tuition—should not be the focal point of your argument. Your employer is most concerned with your professional value and contributions to the business.

Present concrete evidence that demonstrates your impact. For example, explain how you’ve gone above and beyond your job description or show measurable results like increased revenue, cost savings, or key projects that you’ve successfully delivered. The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your case will be.

Have a follow-up plan

If your request for a raise is not immediately accepted, don’t be discouraged. Take a proactive approach by setting clear objectives for the future. Ask your employer what specific goals you need to achieve in order to justify a pay increase. Schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss your progress and revisit the conversation about salary when the agreed-upon objectives are met.

If, after making a strong case, you still don’t receive the raise you feel you deserve, it might be time to evaluate your options. Perhaps it’s worth considering a new role where your efforts will be more appropriately rewarded.

Get help negotiating your pay rise

Negotiating a pay rise can be challenging, but speaking with a specialist recruiter can provide valuable insights into your worth in the market. At EPM Scientific, we can evaluate your profile against the wider talent market and align your expectations with those of our clients. If you’re considering a career move, we can help you position yourself strategically during the salary negotiation process.

For further guidance, we encourage you to register your CV with us or explore our salary guides, which provide a detailed look at the current market rates for various roles. This information can serve as evidence to support your salary discussions and ensure you’re being compensated fairly.