Asking for a raise feels risky mostly because most people wing it. A little preparation removes most of the awkwardness.
Build your case before you ask
Managers approve raises based on impact, not effort. Before the conversation, write down:
- Specific results you've delivered (numbers, projects shipped, problems solved)
- What the market actually pays for your role — check a few salary sites or recruiter messages, not just guesses
- Any added responsibility you've taken on since your last raise or start date
Time it well
Ask during or right before a performance review cycle, or shortly after a clear win (closing a big project, getting praised by a client). Avoid asking right after a bad quarter for the company, or in the middle of a stressful, unrelated crisis.
What to actually say
Keep it simple and specific:
"Based on [specific results] and what similar roles are paying in the market, I'd like to talk about adjusting my salary to [specific number]. Can we set up time to discuss it?"
A specific number anchors the conversation. "Whatever you think is fair" gives the manager no target to work toward.
If the answer is no
Ask what would need to be true for the answer to be yes, and get a timeline. "What would you need to see from me in the next six months for this to happen?" turns a no into a plan, and shows you're serious rather than just venting frustration.