MensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex
  • Nutrition
  • Style
  • Weight Loss
  • Life
  • Podcasts
  • Motoring
  • Video
MensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex
  • Nutrition
  • Style
  • Weight Loss
  • Life
  • Podcasts
  • Motoring
  • Video
Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic
Watch 0:10

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic

{headline}

{headline}

The Surprising Way Arnold Schwarzenegger Made His First Million

The Surprising Way Arnold Schwarzenegger Made His First Million

Why Being Ugly Could Help You Earn More

Why Being Ugly Could Help You Earn More

7 Ways To Make A Million Dollars

7 Ways To Make A Million Dollars

You're 10 Times More Likely To Be Dumped If You're Bad With Money

You're 10 Times More Likely To Be Dumped If You're Bad With Money

{headline}

{headline}

What To Do After You've Been Made Redundant

What To Do After You've Been Made Redundant

Early Freedom: Here's How To Actually Retire By Age 40

Early Freedom: Here's How To Actually Retire By Age 40

These Are The World's Highest Paid Athletes

These Are The World's Highest Paid Athletes

{headline}

{headline}

7 Of The Biggest Financial Fails You Can Make

7 Of The Biggest Financial Fails You Can Make

Boxer Canelo Alvarez Signs The Biggest Contract In Sporting History

Boxer Canelo Alvarez Signs The Biggest Contract In Sporting History

Health Hacks From The World's Favourite Billionaire, Richard Branson

Health Hacks From The World's Favourite Billionaire, Richard Branson

The 4 Step Plan To Starting A Successful Side Hustle

The 4 Step Plan To Starting A Successful Side Hustle

These Are The Toughest Jobs In Australia, According To New Study

These Are The Toughest Jobs In Australia, According To New Study

3 Steps To Help You Get Out Of Debt, And Fast

3 Steps To Help You Get Out Of Debt, And Fast

Is Your Office Set Up To Make You Unhealthy?

Is Your Office Set Up To Make You Unhealthy?

  1. Home
  2. MH Boss

8 Things To Keep In Mind When Asking For A Pay Rise

The process doesn't have to be terrifying - by Michelle Gibbings
  • 19 Jul 2018
8 Things To Keep In Mind When Asking For A Pay Rise
Getty Images

Asking for a pay rise is something most people dread. However, when you shy away from negotiating you are walking away from lots of potential upsides: increased pay, more flexible working hours and other employment benefits. Knowing how to ask for what you want is a critical skill. With a bit of planning and strategising, approaching your boss for a pay rise doesn’t need to be hard. Here’s eight tips to get you started.

1. Don’t ask – don’t get

Often in life we hold back asking for what we want or expressing our needs as we worry about what the other person’s reaction. When you think about it, what’s the worst thing that could happen if you ask for a pay rise? They say no. So don’t let fear hold you back. 

2. Pick your timing

Most organisations have performance and pay review cycles, and it helps to know how that process works. Ideally, you want to ask before budgets for the new financial year are locked in. Secondly, pick a time when your boss is more likely to be receptive to the conversation; rather than tired, stressed or distracted. As well, pick a time that works for you. Negotiating is mentally taxing, and your mind will be pushed and pulled in many directions. Consequently, it’s best to not go into the discussion when you are tired or stressed, as you will be less equipped to manage it.

3. Build your case

Be clear on the value you bring to your role and how you demonstrate it. This becomes important evidence and data you can use to explain why you deserve a pay rise. You also need to know the going rates in the industry, so you can understand whether your pay request is above or in line with the market.

4. Know their needs

Seek to understand the other people involved - their operating style, agenda, needs and what they care about. The more you understand those involved, the greater insights you’ll have into what they are likely to support or reject. When you make the request, state your wants objectively and in way that will resonate with your boss (or whoever you are negotiating with).   You also need to explain how this will benefit the organisation.

5. Know your trade offs

Be prepared to consider the options available. To do this, you need to know what matters the most to you, and what you may be willing to give up as part of the negotiation process. For example, you may be willing to trade time for money, or money for more holidays.

6. Get on the front foot

Research shows that we don’t like people who initiate negotiations for higher pay.  

One way to address it is get on the front foot. Walk into the negotiation and say: 

I just want to say up front that I’m going to negotiate for this pay rise, and the research shows that because I do this you’re going to like me less when I do.

Let that sink in for a minute and then move into the negotiation. 

7. Think about the next steps

Think about how the negotiation process may unfold, and the steps required to secure agreement. Consider each of these steps, in advance of the discussion, and be curious as to how they may play out. Running through possible scenarios and outcomes will enable you to better respond as issues or objections are raised during the discussion.

8. Slow down

If you find your mind racing during the negotiation focus on breathing, and breathing deeply. This provides time for your nerves to relax and your heart rate to slow down, making it easier to reflect and respond calmly.

Michelle Gibbings is a change leadership and career expert and founder of Change Meridian.  Michelle works with global leaders and teams to help them get fit for the future of work. She is the Author of ‘Step Up: How to Build Your Influence at Work’ and ‘Career Leap: How to Reinvent and Liberate your Career’.  For more information visit www.michellegibbings.com.

This article originally appeared on Women's Health.

Subscribe Now-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Subscribe Now-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Recommended to you

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic
Watch 0:10

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic

{headline}

{headline}

The Surprising Way Arnold Schwarzenegger Made His First Million

The Surprising Way Arnold Schwarzenegger Made His First Million

Why Being Ugly Could Help You Earn More

Why Being Ugly Could Help You Earn More

7 Ways To Make A Million Dollars

7 Ways To Make A Million Dollars

You're 10 Times More Likely To Be Dumped If You're Bad With Money

You're 10 Times More Likely To Be Dumped If You're Bad With Money

{headline}

{headline}

What To Do After You've Been Made Redundant

What To Do After You've Been Made Redundant

Early Freedom: Here's How To Actually Retire By Age 40

Early Freedom: Here's How To Actually Retire By Age 40

These Are The World's Highest Paid Athletes

These Are The World's Highest Paid Athletes

{headline}

{headline}

7 Of The Biggest Financial Fails You Can Make

7 Of The Biggest Financial Fails You Can Make

Boxer Canelo Alvarez Signs The Biggest Contract In Sporting History

Boxer Canelo Alvarez Signs The Biggest Contract In Sporting History

Health Hacks From The World's Favourite Billionaire, Richard Branson

Health Hacks From The World's Favourite Billionaire, Richard Branson

The 4 Step Plan To Starting A Successful Side Hustle

The 4 Step Plan To Starting A Successful Side Hustle

These Are The Toughest Jobs In Australia, According To New Study

These Are The Toughest Jobs In Australia, According To New Study

3 Steps To Help You Get Out Of Debt, And Fast

3 Steps To Help You Get Out Of Debt, And Fast

Is Your Office Set Up To Make You Unhealthy?

Is Your Office Set Up To Make You Unhealthy?

MensHealth
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement

Brands

  • Women's Health

Our Network

  • Paragon Media Pty Ltd
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Men's Health

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe Now-

Shop This Offer
Subscribe Now