AllRound Insights

“Research shows that most companies can improve a job offer – but most folks don’t ask. The bottom line is: if you don’t ask, the answer is no.“
— Robert Half, 2024 Highrise

Have you ever walked out of a meeting feeling like your pay check doesn’t reflect your value? You’re not alone. Many professionals, even high performers, hesitate when it comes to negotiating a raise—not because they don’t deserve it, but because they’re unsure how or when to ask. Let’s change that.

This isn’t about arrogance or entitlement. It’s about acknowledging your worth, aligning it with market standards, and building the confidence to ask—strategically and respectfully. Here’s your clear, no-fluff guide to getting the raise you deserve, with practical dos and don’ts to help you navigate every step of the process.

Here’s how.

Table of Content

1. Timing is Everything: When to Ask for a Raise
2. Build Your Case: Prepare Like a Pro
3. Making the Ask: How to Start the Conversation
4. The Do’s of Salary Negotiation
5. The Don’ts of Salary Negotiation
6. Beyond the Numbers: Negotiate the Full Package
7. Mind the Body Language
8.  What If You Get a Counteroffer or Rejection?
9. Final Thought: You’re Worth It

Timing is Everything: When to Ask for a Raise

According to , the optimal time to initiate a salary negotiation is after a positive performance review. This allows you to leverage recent acknowledgments of your contributions and achievements. Harvard DCE

Imagine sowing a seed during a drought. That’s what asking for a raise at the wrong time feels like. On the other hand, catch the right wave, and you can ride it all the way to a better pay check.

✅ The Right Time

• After a Big Win: Completed a major project or exceeded targets? That’s your spotlight moment. Use it.
• During Your Performance Review: This is the official platform to talk about your impact. Be ready with your numbers.
• When Your Role Expands: If you’re doing more than what your job description says—managing more people, leading initiatives—you’re due for a compensation revisit.
• Before Annual Budgeting: If you know salary, decisions are made in Q3, don’t wait until Q4. Beat the cycle.

🚫 The Wrong Time

• When Your Boss Is Swamped: Timing is also about headspace. Pick a time when they can give you focused attention.
• When the Company Is Struggling: Budget cuts and layoffs? Not your moment.
• Right After a Raise: Unless your role has drastically changed, wait at least 6–12 months.

Build Your Case: Prepare Like a Pro

Prepare Your Case: Before initiating the conversation, research average salary ranges for your position and experience level. Be ready with a convincing narrative about why you deserve a raise, highlighting your achievements and contributions to the company’s goals. Harvard DCE+1Reddit+1

Preparation is what separates confident negotiators from nervous wishers. You wouldn’t walk into a client pitch without data. Treat your salary conversation the same way.

Research Your Market Value

Use sites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and Salary.com to find salary ranges for your role, experience, and location. Talk to trusted peers if possible. And yes, if you’re in a corporate job, you can ask HR about pay bands—they might share a range.

📌 Pro Tip: Don’t just look at one source. Get data from at least three places to build a credible range.

Document Your Wins

Create a “brag sheet” (yes, call it that!) listing:

• Key achievements with quantifiable results.
• Feedback from clients or team members.
• New skills you’ve acquired since your last raise.

Example:
“Reduced vendor onboarding time by 30%, saving 50+ man-hours per month.”
That hits harder than “Streamlined a process.”

Know What to Ask

Have a clear salary range in mind. Start at the top of your research-backed range—but be ready to negotiate. Also, know your walk-away number. This clarity will help you stay grounded under pressure.

Making the Ask: How to Start the Conversation

So you’ve picked your moment. You’ve done your research. Now comes the part many dread—initiating the conversation.

🗓️ Schedule a Dedicated Meeting

Don’t bring this up casually over lunch or in passing. Ask for a one-on-one meeting specifically to discuss your role and compensation. This shows professionalism and signals that it’s a serious topic.

How to Frame It

Start with appreciation. Then . For example:

“I’ve really enjoyed leading the new product launch and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Given the results we’ve achieved, I’d love to discuss aligning my compensation with the impact I’ve had.”

Keep it business-focused. It’s not about your rent going up. It’s about your contributions going up.

✅The Do’s of Salary Negotiation

Here’s your quick-hit checklist of what to do during the conversation:

✅ Do This	Why It Works
Be confident, not cocky	Confidence signals self-worth; cockiness raises defences
Focus on value, not need	Managers care about ROI, not your EMIs
Listen actively	Shows respect and keeps the tone collaborative
Be open to alternatives	Perks, flexibility, or bonus schemes may sweeten the deal
Ask for a specific range	Clarity helps them know you’ve done your homework
Take your time	Don’t say yes (or no) on the spot. Reflect.

❌ The Don’ts of Salary Negotiation

Some missteps can kill your chances faster than you think. Avoid these:

❌ Don’t Do This	Why It Hurts You
Don’t threaten to quit	It breaks trust. If you’re ready to walk, do it quietly.
Don’t base it on personal needs	Your child’s school fees are not your boss’s business.
Don’t exaggerate or lie	Reputations are hard to rebuild.
Don’t accept the first offer blindly	There’s almost always wiggle room. Use it.
Don’t be apologetic	You’re asking for fairness, not a favor.

Beyond the Numbers: Negotiate the Full Package

If the salary number can’t budge, look at the perks. Think:

• Performance bonuses
• Remote work options or flexible hours
• More vacation days
• Upskilling budgets
• Health or wellness benefits
• Even job title changes (they matter for future roles)

Sometimes, a better total package matters more than a slightly higher paycheck.

Mind the Body Language

Words matter. But so does posture, tone, and presence.

• Sit up straight: Shows confidence
• Maintain eye contact: Signals sincerity
• Smile and nod occasionally: Builds rapport
• Avoid fidgeting or crossing arms: You want to appear open and engaged

Your body should echo the calm confidence of your words.

 What If You Get a Counteroffer or Rejection?

If You Get a Counteroffer:

• Say thank you.
• Take 24–48 hours to evaluate.
• Consider the full picture (not just salary).
• If it’s below expectations, respond politely but firmly. Propose a midpoint or other perks.

 If You’re Turned Down:

Don’t burn bridges. Ask:

“I understand. Could you help me identify what would make me eligible for a raise in the next few months?”

This opens the door for future negotiations—and shows maturity.

Final Thought: You’re Worth It

Negotiating your salary isn’t just about numbers—it’s about knowing your value and having the courage to claim it. Whether you’re stepping into your first review or preparing for a major career leap, remember: you bring something unique to the table. Don’t settle. Advocate for yourself, and never forget—you’re worth it.