How to Ask for a Raise at Work: 10 Tips for a Successful Negotiation

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Talking about money at work is not always easy. Many employees feel nervous when thinking about how to ask for a raise at work. However, asking for fair pay is an important part of your career growth and confidence.

Sometimes, people stay quiet even when they know they deserve more. This can happen because they are afraid of rejection or worried about upsetting their boss. But staying silent for too long can stop you from reaching your financial goals.

It is important to remember that asking for a raise is not just about wanting more money. It is your right as an employee to receive fair pay that matches your work, skills, and contribution to the company.

In this article, we will share everything you need to know about how to ask for a raise at work. We will talk about tips to ask for a raise, things you shouldn't do, and signs that you deserve a raise. We gathered the tips from various sources, Tuesday (30/9/2025).

Knowing how to ask for a raise is important for every worker. Here are some tips to help you success in the negotiation:

1. Research Salary Information: Before you talk to your boss, find out what other people in your job earn. Look at websites that show salary data for your position. Check what people with your experience level make in your area. This information helps you ask for a fair amount.

2. Write Down Your Achievements: Make a list of all the good work you have done. Include specific numbers and results. For example, write "I helped increase sales by 15%" instead of "I worked hard." Your boss needs to see clear proof of your value.

3. Know Your Company's Financial Health: Pay attention to how your company is doing. If the business is growing and making money, this is a good time to ask. If the company is struggling or cutting costs, you might need to wait.

4. Schedule a Meeting: Do not surprise your boss with this conversation. Ask to schedule a meeting ahead of time. Tell them you want to discuss your work and compensation. This gives them time to prepare too.

5. Practice What You Will Say: Write down what you want to say. Practice with a friend or family member. This helps you feel more confident. You will sound clear and professional when you meet with your boss.

6. Prepare a One-Page Summary: Create a simple document that shows your accomplishments. Keep it to one page with bullet points. Include your main achievements and any positive feedback you received. Your boss can use this when they talk to other managers about your raise.

7. Choose the Right Time: Pick a good day and time for this meeting. Avoid busy or stressful periods at work. A calm time is better for important conversations. Consider asking after you finish a major project successfully.

8. Speak with Confidence: When you talk to your boss, use strong and clear language. Say "I did this" instead of "I think I did this." Show that you believe in your own value. But stay polite and professional.

9. Be Ready to Negotiate: Your boss might not say yes to your first number. They might offer a different amount. Be ready to discuss and find a middle point that works for both of you.

10. Ask About Next Steps: If your boss says they need time to think, ask when they will give you an answer. If they say no, ask what you need to do to earn a raise in the future. This shows you are serious about improving.

Some actions can hurt your chances of getting a pay increase. Avoid these common mistakes when you request more money.

1. Don't Make It About Personal Problems: Never say you need a raise because you have bills to pay or your rent went up. Your boss cares about your work value, not your personal expenses. Focus on what you bring to the company.

2. Don't Compare Yourself to Coworkers: Avoid saying that another worker makes more than you. This can damage your relationships at work. Your coworker might have different experience or education. Focus on your own achievements instead.

3. Don't Threaten to Quit: Never tell your boss you will leave if you do not get a raise. This can make them angry. It might even make them accept your resignation. Keep the conversation positive and professional.

4. Don't Ask at the Wrong Time: Do not request a meeting when your boss is very busy or stressed. Do not ask right after the company lost money or had layoffs. Bad timing can lead to a quick no.

5. Don't Lie About Your Results: Always tell the truth about your work. Do not exaggerate numbers or take credit for other people's work. Dishonesty will damage your reputation and hurt your career.

6. Don't Show Too Much Emotion: Stay calm during the meeting. Do not cry, get angry, or become defensive. If you feel emotional, take a deep breath. Remember this is a business conversation.

7. Don't Ask Too Soon: Wait at least one year after your last raise or after starting your job. Asking too early can make you seem impatient or unrealistic about normal business practices.

Certain situations show that you should consider asking for more money. Watch for these clear signals at your workplace.

1. Your Responsibilities Have Grown: If you now do more tasks than when you started, you might deserve more pay. Maybe you train new workers or manage projects. When your job grows, your salary should grow too.

2. You Received Excellent Performance Reviews: Did your boss give you very positive feedback recently? This is a perfect time to ask for a raise. Use their praise as evidence that you deserve more compensation.

3. The Market Rate Increased: Research shows that new workers in your position now earn more than you. The job market changes over time. If similar jobs pay more now, you have good reason to ask for an increase.

4. Your Company Is Doing Well: When business is good and profits are up, companies have more money to give raises. If your organization is growing or expanding, this creates a good opportunity for you.

5. You Have Been There for a Long Time: If you have worked at your company for several years with good performance, loyalty matters. Long-term employees save the company money on hiring and training new people.

6. You Got Another Job Offer: Another company wants to hire you for more money. This proves your value in the job market. You can use this information to negotiate with your current employer if you prefer to stay.

7. You Are Essential to Operations: Do you have skills or knowledge that no one else in your team has? If losing you would cause problems for the company, you have strong negotiating power.