How to Ask for a Raise Without Feeling Awkward
How to ask for a raise
To ask for a raise without the awkwardness, come prepared with specifics: what you've delivered, what it's worth to the business, and what the market pays for your role. Practice saying the number out loud beforehand, pick a natural moment like right after a win, and ask directly.
The key is preparation. Bring specifics: what you've delivered, what it's worth to the business, and what the market pays for your role. "I think I deserve more" is hard to act on. "Here's what I've delivered this year, and here's what similar roles pay" is easy to say yes to.
Pick your timing. Right after a big win or during a performance review are natural moments. Practice saying the number out loud beforehand, it sounds less scary once you've said it a few times.
This isn't just an executive move. Entry-level employees asking for a fair starting adjustment, and senior leaders negotiating equity, are having the same conversation with different numbers.
Need help finding your number and your words? Let's talk.
FAQ
Q: What if my manager says no? Ask what it would take to get there, and by when. That turns a no into a plan.
Q: How much should I ask for? Research the market range for your role and experience, then ask toward the top of that range.
Q: Is there a wrong time to ask? Right before layoffs or during a company-wide freeze isn't ideal, but most other times are fair game.
About the Author
Keji Ogunnaike is a Calgary-area Strategic Career Consultant and Author. She's one of the few professionals globally certified as an Ethical AI Career Practitioner (EAI-C). She holds the Certified Career Success Coach (CCSC) and Certified Resume Analyst (CRA) designations from Career Directors International, as well as a Prosci Change Management certification. Creator of the M.U.V.E.R. Framework™, her books include The Global Ascension and Command the Room. Through her practice, CareerMuv, she helps mid-career to executive professionals, including immigrant professionals building new careers abroad across Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and beyond, move forward with a deliberate strategy for what's next.