How To Negotiate a Raise Before 2025 (And Exactly What To Say)
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Andrew Lisa
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Amber Barkley
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Many career experts think the best time to ask for a raise is at the end of the year, before employers finalize the coming year’s budget. If you feel you’ve earned a pay bump and you’d like to have it in writing before 2025 arrives, there’s still time — but seeking a raise is something you have to get right the first time.
GOBankingRates asked two veteran career counselors about strategies for pursuing a higher salary before 2024 winds down.
Avoid Raise-Wrecking Mistakes
When asking for a raise, the first rule is to do no harm. What you don’t say can be more important than what you do, so be sure to avoid the following common blunders.
Don’t Use Unassertive Language
If you don’t sound like you’re sure you deserve a raise, you shouldn’t expect the boss to be sure, either.
“Avoid phrases like ‘I think,’ ‘I feel like,’ ‘might’ and ‘may,’ said Laura Gassner Otting, career expert, executive coach, HR veteran and bestselling author. “Instead, focus on what you did and the positive impact it had.”
Leave Your Money Needs Out of It
No one is going to give you a raise because you had a kid, because you need a new roof or because you’re saving for a down payment. Explain why you deserve more money, not why you need it or want it.
“A raise should be about your value to the company, not your personal finances,” said Gassner Otting.
Focus On You — and Only You
If you have information about a coworker’s earnings that you’re considering using as leverage, don’t.
“Avoid comparing your salary to other coworkers,” said Gassner Otting.
Never Be Confrontational, Demanding or Unprofessional
In salary negotiations, as in life, ultimatums and threats are the last gasps of a losing argument.
“Don’t barge into an employer’s office and demand a raise,” said Gassner Otting. “This can damage your professional relationship.”
Dawid Wiacek, executive coach and certified career coach at The Career Fixer, agreed.
“When negotiating a raise, be respectful and thoughtful in how you comport yourself and handle the conversation,” he said. “If you start throwing out ultimatums or are otherwise demonstrating that you’re miserable at your job, it’s unlikely that a nominal pay bump will make a difference in your overall satisfaction there — and now your employer might think your days are numbered.
“So there’s always an element of risk, especially if you approach salary negotiations or pay raises with a cavalier attitude.”
Set Yourself Up for Success
Asking for a raise the wrong way can sabotage your chances and even endanger your job, but simply not messing up won’t get you where you want to be. It’s as important to nail the following dos as it is to avoid the previously mentioned don’ts.
Know Your Number
When you sit down at the negotiating table, the concept of “a raise” can’t be a vague notion. It must be a concrete figure.
“When preparing to negotiate salary, always know your numbers,” said Gassner Otting. “Research sites like Indeed.com, Glassdoor.com, Salary.com or PayScale.com to see what the industry standards are for men and women. Talk to people you know in similar positions or those who have held those jobs or supervisory roles during their employment history.”
Prepare Like Your Salary Depends on It
A lot is on the line when you enter salary negotiations — don’t wing it.
“Prepare your case,” said Gassner Otting. “Make a list of your contributions to the company, such as taking on more responsibilities, developing new skills or mentoring others. You can gather feedback from others, such as managers and stakeholders, and rehearsing or writing a script can help you feel confident and show that you know your value.
“Avoid asking for a raise when your company is struggling financially or when you’re new to the job. Keep the negotiations focused on your worth, your value to the organization and the future path you believe you should be provided with, considering your merit.”
Set Attainable Goals Based on Realistic Expectations
Wiacek frequently sees a disconnect between the salaries people aspire to earn and the raises their employers can or should realistically offer. Shoot for a number that’s near, but not beyond the bounds of reasonable expectations.
“Depending on your industry, the pickings may indeed be slim,” said Wiacek. “Given that it’s a tight and nebulous job market, you may need to readjust your expectations. It’s good to be ambitious, but if your niche sub-industry just laid off thousands of highly experienced workers, asking for a lofty raise may not be in the cards right now.”
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