How to ask for a raise

You'll need

• A list of your results from the last 6 to 12 months
• Pay data for your job and area

Do it like this

1. Write down what you got done, with numbers where you can: sales, tickets closed, hours saved, people trained.
2. Look up what your job pays where you live. CareerOneStop's Salary Finder covers more than 800 occupations using Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
3. Ask your manager for 20 minutes to talk about pay. Don't spring it on them in the hallway.
4. Aim for the typical range and base your case on the value you bring, your skills and experience (CareerOneStop). Name a number, then stop talking and listen.
5. If the answer is no, ask what it would take and when you can talk again, or ask for an early pay review (CareerOneStop). Get any promise in writing.

If it doesn't work

• If they can't move on pay, ask about other things that matter to you: training, schedule flexibility or extra time off. CareerOneStop notes some benefits can be worth more than a raise.
• If you get a vague "later," ask for a specific month and put it on the calendar.
• If the gap is big and nothing changes, it may be time to look around. See what similar jobs offer.

Good to know