How to ask for a raise

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Is your review date also the date someone decides your pay?

Find out before building your whole request around it. A formal review can happen after the decisions you want to influence.

November is a useful prompt to ask about timing. It isn't proof that your employer follows a particular budget calendar.

Ask your manager when pay decisions are made and when a request needs to reach them. Request a conversation before that window closes.

Take three supported result bullets. Choose an amount you can explain using your actual role and information you can verify. There's no universal percentage that makes a request reasonable.

Use this three-part ask: what changed in your role or results, the number, then "What would it take to get there by [date]?"

Say the salary or rate clearly, including its basis. Then pause. Don't answer your own request with reasons it might be rejected.

Hypothetical before: "Could we review my pay? Things are expensive."

Hypothetical after: "Since [date], I now own [responsibility] and delivered [documented result]. I'd like my salary to move to [amount]. What would it take to get there by [date]?"

The placeholders need your evidence. This makes the request clear; it doesn't promise a raise. If getting started is the sticking point, practice the conversation you keep delaying.

Clearer standards matter beyond one pay review: The Execution Bundle includes 7 Steps to Change Your Life for deciding what needs to change, alongside The 90-Day Discipline Blueprint for follow-through. You get both books, including the Blueprint's weekly steps, printable tracker and restart plan. 25% off with code 25off.

Prepare for three replies: yes, not now / no budget, and no.

For yes, confirm the amount, effective date and written next step. A positive conversation still needs those details.

The harder replies need a different question. Is there an actual route to a decision, or are you being sent back to wait without criteria?

Here's the yes reply, free:

The harder replies and full preparation kit are below.

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