One of the most nerve racking conversations one can have as an employee is the dreaded ask for a raise. Everyone has to do it eventually and it almost always feels uncomfortable. Of course, if you know what you are doing, it doesn’t have to be a scary situation. Below is a list of best practices when asking for a raise that will be sure to make you feel more confident when going in for “the big ask”.

Get on the Schedule

Before you craft your perfect pitch for the raise you so deserve, make sure you prepare your manager for the conversation by scheduling a time to meet rather than springing it on them. You are likely to have a more positive outcome. Let them know you are wanting to have a discussion about your future at the company and possible compensation changes and allow them time to prepare. Keep in mind that raises often don’t come out of thin air. If it has been a considerable amount of time since you have received a raise and you feel you deserve one, allow your manager time to assess the budget before your conversation.

Discuss Future Goals

When addressing your manager about a raise, start by discussing your future goals and ask for feedback on how to constructively obtain them. If you have a long term goal of advancing into another role then this would be a good time to communicate that to your manager. Discuss the “wins” you have had in your current role and how you plan to excel moving forward.

Show Your Leadership

Explain to your manager exactly how you have taken a leadership role in your current position and what steps you have taken to move toward your long term goal. For example, if you are wanting to eventually move up into a higher role, be sure that you are exceeding expectations within your current role and also searching for ways to help in the role you wish to have in the future. Problem solve issues and create your manager a picture of how you have managed your time in order to be available for more responsibility if needed.

Focus On What You Deserve

When constructing your pitch, be sure to use language focusing on why you deserve a raise, rather than why you need it. Everyone could use more money and will have a laundry list of reasons why they need it. However, focusing on your performance and explaining why you deserve a raise will establish to your manager your worth within the company and create a more solid argument for higher pay.

Once you have established your perfect pitch and a scheduled time for your meeting then practice makes perfect! Go over your pitch so you feel comfortable when delivering it. Expect questions to be asked and try to determine your answers to those questions ahead of time so you feel confident answering them. Also, at the end of the day, be prepared for any outcome. Just because you make the perfect argument doesn’t mean it’s in the budget or that your manager has the authority to give out raises at that time. Know that there is always a chance the answer will be no and being mentally prepared for that ahead of time will allow you to remain professional in the moment.