What not to say when asking for a raise?

When asking for a raise, avoid ultimatums ("I'll quit if I don't get it"), comparing yourself to coworkers ("She makes more than me!"), bringing up personal finances ("My rent went up"), claiming you "deserve" it without proof, or badmouthing the company; instead, focus on your specific, quantifiable accomplishments, market value, and future contributions, presenting a confident, data-backed business case for why you've earned more.

What is the #1 rule of salary negotiation?

The Real Rule of Thumb: Always Ask Instead of “always negotiate,” the smarter approach is to always ask. Negotiation starts with curiosity and understanding what's actually on the table.

How do I gracefully ask for a raise?

To politely ask for a salary increase, schedule a meeting, prepare a strong case with quantifiable accomplishments and market research, then confidently present your value, focusing on how you benefit the company, not personal needs, and suggest a specific, researched figure. Be professional, frame it as a mutually beneficial discussion, and be ready to follow up. 

Is a 20% raise too much to ask for?

A 20% raise is high but not too much to ask for, especially if you've taken on major new responsibilities, are significantly underpaid for your market, or have exceptional performance; otherwise, aim for 3-5% for standard increases, but always research your worth and be prepared to justify a larger request, as the worst they can say is no, but your justification matters. 

Can asking for a raise backfire?

Yes -- asking for a raise shortly after starting a new job can be appropriate, but timing, justification, and tact determine whether it succeeds or backfires. Below are practical guidelines, scripted language examples, and common scenarios that make such requests reasonable.

Never SAY This When Asking for a RAISE

How much is a 5% raise on $20 an hour?

A 5% raise on $20 an hour is a $1 increase, making your new hourly wage $21 per hour, calculated by finding 5% of $20 (which is $1) and adding it to the original $20. 

What to avoid when asking for a raise?

Here are six mistakes to avoid, along with practical tips to approach salary discussions with confidence and increase your odds of success.

1. Don't ask if your manager barely knows you. ...
2. Don't ask for a raise in a random one-on-one. ...
3. Don't ask at the wrong time of year. ...
4. Don't lead with fear. ...
5. Don't give an ultimatum.

How much is a 10% raise from $25 an hour?

For example: If a woman making $25 an hour gets a 10% raise, she will make an additional 1/10 of her salary an hour, or $2.50, for a new salary of $27.50. For example: If a woman making $25 an hour gets a 10% raise, she will make an additional 1/10 of her salary an hour, or $2.50, for a new salary of $27.50.

What is the 3 month rule in a job?

A 3 month probationary period employment contract is a way for your employer to monitor your performance to assess your capabilities and appropriateness for the job. Once the probationary period is over, you might be eligible for other opportunities, such as a promotion, raise, or other position.

Is a 3% yearly raise good?

A 3% annual raise is considered average and standard in the U.S. for cost-of-living/merit adjustments, often keeping pace with inflation but not necessarily a significant boost in purchasing power or career advancement, so it's "good" for stability but not "great" for rapid growth unless you're early in your career or inflation is very low. To get more meaningful increases, consider negotiating for promotions (10-20% raises) or switching jobs, as substantial raises (5%+ or 10%+) often come from new roles or significant new responsibilities. 

How do I prove I deserve a raise?

Here are five ways to prove you deserve a pay rise:

1. Skill Up to Get Ahead. If you've completed a new qualification, finished some training or are undertaking a new career development program, make sure your boss knows about it. ...
2. Go Above and Beyond. ...
3. Team Leadership. ...
4. Business Benefits. ...
5. A Case for Innovation.

How much is a 3 raise on $20 an hour?

A 3% raise on $20 an hour adds $0.60 to your wage, making your new hourly rate $20.60, because 3% of $20 is $0.60 (0.03 x $20). This means you'll earn an extra $24 weekly (for 40 hours) and about $1,248 more per year. 

What is the best time to ask for a raise?

A good time to ask for a raise is during or after a strong performance review, after taking on significant new responsibilities, after completing a major project, or when the company is doing well financially, ideally a few months before the budget cycle ends (often late fall/early winter). Avoid asking during layoffs, budget freezes, or major company hardship, focusing instead on demonstrating your increased value and market worth. 

What are the 3 C's of negotiation?

Most people know intuitively that if they are to be convincing, they need to be confident, and if they are to be confident, they need to be comfortable (comfortable, confident, and convincing are what I term the three C's of negotiation).

What not to say when negotiating salary?

7. “The least I'd be willing to take is…” Salary negotiations are like high-stakes poker, so you don't want to reveal your hand right away. If you say the least amount you'd accept for a salary, there's a good chance that 's what you'll be offered—and nothing more.

What are the 5 C's of negotiation?

The 5 Cs of negotiation are a framework for successful deal-making, often cited as Clarity, Communication, Collaboration, Compromise, and Commitment, focusing on understanding goals, listening, finding common ground, and building trust for lasting agreements, though variations exist like adding Confidence or Creativity. 

How long is too long to stay at a job?

There's no single "too long," but staying in one role for over 5-7 years without significant growth can raise red flags for employers, suggesting potential lack of ambition or adaptability, while less than 2 years might signal job-hopping; the ideal tenure (often 2-5 years) depends on industry, your career stage, accomplishments, and if you're learning and progressing. Focus on achieving milestones and proving your value, rather than a strict timeline, but be ready to explain long tenures or frequent moves. 

What is the 3 6 9 month rule in a relationship?

The 3-6-9 month rule in a relationship is a guideline suggesting key developmental stages: by 3 months, the honeymoon phase fades and you see red flags; by 6 months, deeper emotional intimacy and daily compatibility emerge; and by 9 months, you should have a solid understanding of flaws and long-term potential, allowing a decision on serious commitment. It's not a strict rule but a way to pace the relationship, allowing the initial "love chemicals" to settle so you can build a more realistic, lasting connection. 

What are the top 3 priorities in a new job?

10 Goals to Set in Your First Days at a New Job

• Goal 1: Understand Your Role. ...
• Goal 2: Build Relationships. ...
• Goal 3: Learn Company Culture. ...
• Goal 4: Set Short-Term Objectives. ...
• Goal 5: Master Company Tools. ...
• Goal 6: Seek Mentorship. ...
• Goal 7: Contribute Ideas and Solutions. ...
• Goal 8: Establish a Work-Life Balance.

Is $1 per hour a good raise?

A $1 per hour raise directly increases your take-home pay. For someone working 40 hours a week, this adds an extra $40 per week, or about $2,080 annually, before taxes. This can help you meet financial goals like saving or paying off debt faster in your current job.

What is considered a good starting salary?

It depends on the field you're in and your location, but $50,000 is below the average starting salary in the U.S. of $68,680 for college graduates in 2025. However, for those in certain fields, such as psychology, in which the average starting salary is $44,700, $50,000 would be a good entry level salary.

How much is $10,000 a year per hour?

$10,000 a year is approximately $4.81 per hour, assuming a standard 40-hour workweek for 52 weeks, which totals 2,080 working hours in a year ($10,000 / 2,080 hours). 

What is the biggest red flag at work?

25 Common red flags of an unhealthy work environment

• High turnover. If your team feels like a revolving door, you've got a problem. ...
• Lack of recognition. Employees who never get credit for their hard work quickly disengage. ...
• Bullying. ...
• Lack of work-life balance. ...
• Poor communication. ...
• Micromanagement. ...
• Gossip. ...
• No trust.

Why am I so afraid to ask for a raise?

“People are often scared of repercussions that will happen if the answer to a raise request is no. People fear it will reflect poorly on them, bring negative attention, and potentially have the company [consider] replacing them for someone that doesn't want as much money.

What is a dry raise?

A dry promotion, also referred to as a "quiet promotion," is when an employee is given a new job title and additional responsibilities but without a pay raise. This practice is becoming more widespread as companies face budget constraints or seek to retain talent without increasing payroll expenses.