Want To Ask For Raise? 4 Do’s and Don’t To Get That Money

Why Asking For a Raise Matters More Than You Think

Let’s get something straight right now: negotiating your salary is not greedy. It is not awkward. It is not ungrateful.

It is strategic.

Every dollar you earn today sets the foundation for tomorrow. Raises compound. Bonuses scale. Retirement contributions increase. Future employers often base their offers on your current pay. That means if you don’t advocate for yourself now, you could unintentionally cap your earning potential for years.

This isn’t just about a bump in your paycheck. This is about ownership. This is about confidence. This is about knowing your value and refusing to shrink it.

And here’s the empowering truth: many employers expect negotiation. When you approach the conversation professionally, you’re demonstrating leadership, initiative, and maturity.

You are not asking for a favor. You are opening a business conversation.

How to Prepare Before You Ask

Let’s be honest. Confidence doesn’t magically appear the moment you sit down in that meeting. It comes from preparation.

First, gather your proof. What have you accomplished? Where have you gone above and beyond? Did you increase revenue? Improve efficiency? Take on new responsibilities? Mentor others? Solve problems no one else wanted to touch?

Write it down. Quantify it whenever possible. Numbers speak loudly.

Next, research your market value. Look at salary data for your role in your region. Compare your experience, skills, and performance to industry standards. This gives you a realistic range and keeps your ask grounded in data, not emotion.

Finally, practice. Yes, actually practice. Say it out loud. The first time you say, “I’d like to discuss adjusting my salary,” might feel awkward. The fifth time? Powerful.

Preparation turns nerves into confidence.

What Are the 3 C’s of Negotiation?

Now let’s talk strategy.

When it comes to negotiation, one helpful framework to understand is the 3 C’s: Competing, Compromising, and Collaborating.

Competing means advocating strongly for your position. This is when you clearly present your value and stand firm in your ask. It’s appropriate when you’ve done your homework and know your request is justified.

Compromising is about meeting in the middle. Maybe you ask for a 10% increase and land at 7%. That doesn’t mean you lost. It means both sides found common ground.

Collaborating is the long-game strategy. This approach focuses on creating a win-win solution. For example, if a raise isn’t possible today, you might work with your manager to establish performance milestones that trigger an increase later.

The key is flexibility. You don’t have to stick to one approach. You can start confidently (competing), adjust thoughtfully (compromising), and build a future-focused plan (collaborating).

Negotiation isn’t a battle. It’s a conversation with intention.

What Is the 70/30 Rule in Negotiation?

Here’s a powerful principle that can completely change your outcome: the 70/30 rule.

In negotiation, aim to listen 70% of the time and speak 30%.

It sounds counterintuitive, right? You’re the one asking for a raise. Shouldn’t you be doing most of the talking?

Actually, no.

When you listen more than you speak, you gain insight. You learn about budget constraints, timing concerns, company priorities, and what matters most to your manager.

Once you understand their perspective, you can respond strategically.

Use your 30% wisely. Present your accomplishments clearly. State your request confidently. Then pause.

Silence is not your enemy. Silence is power.

Let them think. Let them respond. Let the conversation unfold.

The person who listens well negotiates well.

What To Do During The Meeting: Do’s and Don’ts

This is the moment. You’ve prepared. You’ve practiced. You’re ready.

Let’s make this simple and actionable.

DO: Lead With Gratitude and Professionalism

Start strong. Thank your manager for their time. Express appreciation for the opportunities you’ve had.

This sets a collaborative tone immediately.

Confidence and respect can coexist. In fact, they should.

DON’T: Make It Personal or Emotional

This conversation is about performance and value — not rent increases or personal bills.

Avoid framing your request around financial stress. Keep it focused on your contributions and the market data.

Business conversation. Business mindset.

DO: Present Clear, Specific Evidence

This is your moment to shine.

Share measurable wins. Highlight expanded responsibilities. Demonstrate growth.

Instead of saying, “I’ve been working really hard,” say, “I led three major projects this year that improved turnaround time by 22%.”

Specific beats general every time.

DON’T: Compare Yourself to Coworkers

Even if you suspect others are making more, avoid naming names.

Focus on your performance and industry standards. Comparison can create tension. Data creates clarity.

Stay professional.

DO: State a Clear, Reasonable Ask

Do not hint. Do not circle around it.

Say the number. Or the range.

For example: “Based on my contributions and market research, I’d like to discuss adjusting my salary to $X.”

Clarity signals confidence.

DON’T: Accept the First Response Without Discussion

If you hear, “That might be difficult right now,” that is not the end.

Ask follow-up questions. Explore timing. Discuss performance benchmarks.

Negotiation is dialogue, not a one-sentence exchange.

DO: Use the 70/30 Rule

After you present your case, listen.

Let your manager speak. Gather information. Adjust accordingly.

Strong negotiators are strong listeners.

DON’T: Issue Ultimatums

Threats rarely build long-term success.

Even if you’re considering other opportunities, keep this conversation constructive. You are building your professional reputation every time you speak.

Stay composed. Stay confident.

After the Meeting: What Happens Next

If you get the raise — celebrate. You earned it. Express appreciation. Continue performing at a high level.

If the answer is “not right now,” don’t panic.

Ask for specifics. What goals need to be met? What timeline makes sense? When can you revisit the conversation?

Turn uncertainty into a plan.

And always follow up with a professional email summarizing what was discussed. This creates clarity and shows initiative.

No matter the outcome, you walked in and advocated for yourself.

That alone is growth.

You Are Worth Advocating For

Let’s end where we began.

You are brave for even considering this conversation. Most people never do. They stay silent. They wait. They hope.

Not you.

You prepared. You educated yourself. You showed up.

Negotiating a raise isn’t just about money. It’s about stepping into your value. It’s about refusing to downplay your contributions. It’s about building the confidence muscle that will serve you for the rest of your career.

You are not asking for too much.

You are asking for what reflects your work.

So take a deep breath. Square your shoulders. Walk into that meeting prepared and confident.

Ready to get that money?

Go get it.