I’ve been helping people navigate their careers for nearly two decades, and I can tell you this: most professionals are terrible at asking for raises. Not because they don’t deserve them, but because they don’t know what to say when negotiating salary.
Here’s the truth – your boss isn’t going to magically realize you deserve more money. You need to ask for it. And when you do, you better have the right words ready.
The Foundation: Before You Open Your Mouth
Before we dive into salary negotiation scripts, let’s get one thing straight: preparation beats improvisation every single time. I’ve seen too many talented people blow their shot because they walked into their boss’s office unprepared.
Research your market value first. Know what people in your role are earning at similar companies. Document your achievements from the past year. Understand your company’s financial health and budget cycle. This isn’t just homework – it’s ammunition.
What to Say: Proven Salary Negotiation Scripts
Script 1: The Performance-Based Ask
“Hi [Manager’s Name], I’d like to schedule some time to discuss my compensation. Over the past year, I’ve consistently exceeded my targets – specifically [insert 2-3 concrete examples with numbers]. Based on my research and performance, I believe a salary adjustment to [specific amount] would be appropriate. When would be a good time to discuss this?”
Why this works: You’re leading with results, not feelings. You’re being specific about the amount. You’re asking for their time, not ambushing them.
Script 2: The Market-Rate Approach
“I’ve been researching salary benchmarks for my role and experience level. According to [credible source like Glassdoor, PayScale, or industry reports], the market rate for my position ranges from $X to $Y. Currently, my salary is below this range at $Z. I’d like to discuss bringing my compensation in line with market standards.”
Why this works: You’re removing emotion and making it about market reality. It’s hard to argue with data.
Script 3: The Expanded Responsibilities Angle
“My role has evolved significantly since my last review. I’m now handling [specific new responsibilities], which wasn’t part of my original job description. These additional duties have resulted in [quantifiable impact]. I believe my compensation should reflect these expanded responsibilities, and I’d like to discuss an adjustment to [specific amount].”
Why this works: You’re essentially saying you’re doing a bigger job than what you’re paid for – which is often absolutely true.
What NOT to Say: The Career-Killing Phrases
I’ve heard some doozies over the years. These phrases will tank your negotiation faster than you can say “cost of living adjustment.”
Don’t Say: “I need more money because…”
Never lead with personal financial problems. Your mortgage, student loans, or credit card debt aren’t your employer’s responsibility. They’re paying you for value, not to solve your money troubles.
Don’t Say: “I’ve been here for X years, so…”
Time served isn’t an automatic ticket to more money. I’ve seen 10-year employees who coast and one-year superstars who transform departments. Make it about performance, not tenure.
Don’t Say: “Everyone else makes more than me”
This makes you sound whiny and uninformed. Plus, you probably don’t actually know what everyone else makes. Stick to market data, not office gossip.
Don’t Say: “If you don’t give me a raise, I’ll quit”
Ultimatums are dangerous games. Only threaten to leave if you’re actually prepared to walk away – and have another job lined up.
How to Handle Common Responses
When they say “The budget is tight”
Your response: “I understand budget constraints are real. Could we discuss a timeline for when this adjustment might be possible? Or are there non-salary benefits we could explore in the meantime?”
When they say “You just got a raise”
Your response: “I appreciate the previous adjustment. However, my responsibilities and performance have continued to grow since then. I’d like to discuss how my current contributions align with market compensation.”
When they say “We’ll review it at your annual review”
Your response: “I’d prefer not to wait until the annual review cycle. My contributions are happening now, and I believe the adjustment should reflect that timing. Could we schedule a follow-up in two weeks?”
The Follow-Up Game
Here’s where most people drop the ball. You can’t just have one conversation and hope for the best. If they don’t give you an immediate yes (and they usually won’t), you need to follow up.
Send a recap email within 24 hours: “Thanks for taking the time to discuss my compensation. To summarize our conversation: [key points discussed]. I look forward to hearing back from you by [specific date you agreed upon].”
If that date passes without response, follow up again. Politely. Professionally. But follow up.
When to Walk Away
Sometimes, despite your best efforts and perfect salary negotiation scripts, the answer is still no. And sometimes, that no tells you everything you need to know about your future at that company.
If you’ve had multiple conversations, provided clear evidence of your value, and they still won’t budge – it might be time to take your talents elsewhere. Just make sure you have another opportunity lined up first.
The Bottom Line
Learning how to ask for a raise isn’t about being pushy or demanding. It’s about professionally advocating for your worth. You work hard, you deliver results, and you deserve to be compensated fairly.
The right salary negotiation scripts give you the confidence to have these conversations without fumbling for words. But remember – scripts are just starting points. The real power comes from backing up your words with documented performance and market research.
Your employer isn’t doing you a favor by paying you fairly. You’re providing value, and fair compensation is simply good business. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.
Now stop reading about asking for a raise and go schedule that conversation. You’ve got this.
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