How to ask for a raise
Present documented evidence of your impact and market value, early and calmly — not assertions that you deserve more or your personal expenses. The stronger and more specific your evidence, the harder it is to say no.
You ask for a raise by presenting documented evidence of your impact and market value, early and calmly — not by asserting that you deserve more or citing your personal expenses. The stronger and more specific your evidence, the harder it is to say no.
Build the case first
- Documented wins with metrics — revenue, cost, time, quality
- Market data for your role, level, and location
- Expanded scope you've absorbed since your last adjustment
- A specific target number, not a vague "more"
- Personal need as the argument (bills, rent)
- A vague ask with no evidence
- Comparisons to a specific coworker's pay
- A last-minute request with no preparation
Timing
Time it well — after a clear win, or aligned to your review cycle, and ideally months before you need an answer. Your manager often has to make the case upward, and that takes time. Asking early is a courtesy that also improves your odds.
The conversation
"Over the past year I delivered [impact]."
"Based on that and market data for my role, I'd like to discuss an increase to [a specific number]."
Listen. A precise figure signals you've done your homework; a round one signals a guess.
If the answer is "not yet"
Ask exactly what would change the answer, get the criteria in writing, and keep documenting against them. A "not yet" with clear criteria is a roadmap, not a refusal.
How Workfied helps here
Workfied keeps a year of quantified wins on hand, so your raise conversation rests on evidence, not nerve. Built for you, never visible to your manager. Encrypted in transit and at rest.
Evidence
The basis
Documented impact plus market benchmarks move the talk from what you need to what you've delivered.
Compensation practice
Timing
Your manager often builds the case upward — raise it months ahead, after a clear win.
Compensation practice
The tip
Get the criteria for "yes" in writing and document against them. "Not yet" isn't a refusal.
Workfied house view