3 easy ways to... ask for a pay rise

If you want to ask for a raise but don’t know how to go about it, here are some top tips from Victoria Mclean, CEO of career consultancy City CV.

1 STATE YOUR CASE

‘Since pay rises are linked with achievements, prepare a list of concrete examples of things you have done as a basis for why you should get a raise,’ explains Victoria. ‘Have you exceeded your sales targets? Have you stepped up to manage a team? This will help you negotiate from a position of strength. ‘And if you want to be paid more, bear in mind you may need to offer something extra, such as taking on more responsibilities,’ she adds.

2 KNOW YOUR WORTH

‘Think about what you’re hoping to achieve out of the negotiation, including the minimum you’re looking for,’ advises Victoria. ‘It’s good to be ambitious but it’s also important to be realistic, so research the average salary for your role in advance. It might be that your company can’t afford a formal pay rise, therefore, think about other options you might accept, for example, a company car, extra holiday or training opportunities.’

3 DO IT THE RIGHT WAY

‘Schedule a meeting with your boss so you know you’ll have the time you’ll need,’ says Victoria. ‘And then, once you’re in the meeting, lift your head up and speak with confidence. Remember to remain professional throughout. And if you don’t get the answer you’re hoping for, ask for feedback. If lack of budget is a factor, you may decide to try again later in the year or you may feel like it’s time to look elsewhere.’ For more information on City CV visit citycv.com.