Work
How to ask for a raise
You’re talking to Dana, your manager. The goal: ask for a specific raise and give 2 real reasons.
Your first line
Dana starts with “Hey, come on in. You wanted to talk?”
“Thanks for making time. I’d like to talk about my pay. I’m asking for $24 an hour, up from $22.”
Number first: one specific number in your first breath sets the starting point, so the talk is about $24, not about whether you get one. Then give two reasons about your work and stop talking.
What Dana might say, and what to say back
Dana: “Honestly, budget’s tight this year.”
You: “I understand. I’ve trained both new hires and covered the extra closing shifts since spring. What would it take to get to $24?”
Dana: “That’s more than I can approve myself.”
You: “Okay. Would you take it to whoever can approve it? When should I check back with you, Friday?”
Dana: “Can we revisit this at review time?”
You: “Sure. Can we put that date on the calendar now, and agree that $24 is the number we’re reviewing?”
Two things that trip people up
- Opening with a long story about how hard you’ve worked.Say the number in your first sentence, then give two reasons about your work.
- Making rent or bills your main reason.Keep it about value: results, extra work you’ve taken on, and what the job pays elsewhere.
Now say it out loud
Reading the words isn’t the same as saying them. Practice this one with Dana pushing back like the real person would. Then your coach, Max, fixes your exact words. The move to focus on: Number first.
Practice this one free3 free reps a day. No sign-up. Out loud or typed.