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How Do I Make the Case for My First Raise?

Oct 18, 2023

Learn how to strategically approach asking for a raise by understanding your value and hearing personal experiences from experts. Explore the difficulties of advocating for oneself when asking for a raise and gain advice on timing, strategies, and making a strong case. Discover approaches and advice for negotiating a raise, including presenting facts, inviting a conversation, and building relationships. Uncover effective strategies for negotiating a raise and learn about additional benefits you can negotiate for. Overcome fears and ask for what you deserve while considering salary parity and bias.

32:30

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Quick takeaways

Asking for a raise is a strategic process that starts on day one of your job, focusing on demonstrating value and exceeding expectations, and considering the right timing and internal research on company policies.

When negotiating for a raise, be clear about your worth and contribution beyond your job description, practice conveying your request confidently while sounding authentic and professional, give your desired salary number instead of negotiating against yourself, and justify your request with data and market benchmarks for a stronger negotiation.

Deep dives

Timing and Strategy for Asking for a Raise

Asking for a raise is a strategic process that starts on day one of your job. Lay the groundwork by demonstrating your value and exceeding expectations. Consider the right timing, such as after six months, and make sure to do internal research on company policies. Have two numbers in mind for negotiation. Focus on achieving salary parity or matching external benchmarks. Timing is crucial to avoid waiting until it's too late and the budget is depleted.

Introduction

4min

Navigating the Challenges of Asking for a Raise

10min

Making a Strong Case for a Raise

5min

Negotiating for a Raise: Approaches and Advice

11min

Negotiating Strategies for a Raise and Overcoming Fear

5min

Asking for your first raise is a big moment in your career. But how do you know when to ask or how to start the conversation?

Getting a raise isn’t just a conversation about money. It’s a process, and you need a strategy. Author and personal finance expert Anne-Lyse Ngatta, also known as Anne-Lyse Wealth on her podcast, and Gorick Ng, an author and career advisor, walk host Elainy Mata through that process.

They break down how to lay the groundwork and do your research, when and how to start the conversation with your manager, and how to navigate the negotiation that may follow.

They also share their own experiences advocating for higher pay early in their careers, and they explain why your timing and your tone are so important to get right. Plus, they take listener questions about asking for a raise.

Have a career question? Let us know at NewHere@HBR.org.

Key topics include: compensation and benefits, difficult conversations, managing up, negotiation skills, negotiation strategies, careers.

More Reading:

· How to Ask for a Raise (Christine vs. Work)

· What to Do When Your Raise Isn’t Enough (Anne-Lyse Wealth)

· The Economy Is Uncertain. Can You Still Negotiate a Raise? (Shanna Hocking)

· How Black Women Can Navigate Pay-Gap Gaslighting (Lola Bakare)