Career expert explains how to ask for and get a pay rise in the New Year

Asking for a pay rise often requires careful planning. Whatever your reason, perhaps your role has expanded or you've completed extra training, it's important to pose the question in the right way.

From when you ask your manager to the reasons you offer, many variables can affect the outcome of the conversation. Fortunately, Matt Burney, career expert at Indeed, has outlined seven steps you can follow to increase your chances of success.

These include researching salary trends and preparing a script ahead of time. Below, Burney breaks down each step, so you can be prepared for every outcome when you meet your manager.

Choose the right time

Burney says: "Ask for an increase when your manager will be most receptive to the request. This can be influenced by the business’s financial situation, your manager’s workload, your recent achievements, and your work progress. Understanding these factors and approaching your manager at an appropriate time will help your request."

"Researching salary trends allows you to know the salaries of other professionals in similar roles. Enter your job title into the Indeed Salaries search. This tool gives the average national salary for your job and the salary spread across the country," the expert suggests.

"More experienced, highly educated professionals usually earn salaries at the upper end of the pay spectrum. Location and the cost of living can also influence earnings. Browsing through job advertisements for similar roles in your local area can help you determine a fair salary. Ask for a little more than you want, as most managers will try to negotiate with you."

The expert said to research salary trends before your meeting (stock photo) (Image:Getty)

"Schedule a private meeting with your manager to discuss your salary. You can ask your manager for a meeting in person or via a video conferencing platform. Suggest meeting to chat about your performance, rather than your salary, as some managers would rather avoid financial discussions," says Burney.

The expert explains: "Preparing a script for asking for a pay rise can help you feel confident during your meeting. Depending on your confidence speaking, you may write a list of bullet points or a more developed script with complete sentences.

"When preparing your script, stress professional reasons rather than personal ones. Your boss acts on behalf of the company, so benefits to the business are persuasive. Use confident words and clear facts rather than emotional words such as 'believe' and 'feel', which can sound uncertain."

"Dressing well on the day of your meeting will give your manager a positive impression and help them see you as a more senior, serious member of staff," according to Burney. "Dress as you would for a job interview or an important presentation."

The expert shared seven steps to follow (stock photo) (Image:Getty)

Indeed's expert says: "Take your time during the meeting, and after delivering your proposal, give your manager time to respond. They may like to have more details about the achievements you have mentioned or projects you were a part of. Answer their questions thoughtfully, expanding on your positive contributions.

"If your manager declines your request by rejecting any pay rise or agreeing to a smaller salary increase, asking questions may help you secure your ideal salary in the future. Ask them about: desirable skills or achievements that would increase your pay; their views on your overall performance; whether there would be a good time to revisit the conversation."

The pro adds: "You may also ask about non-financial compensation. Your manager may agree to extra job perks such as the freedom to work from home or use of a company car if there is no budget for a pay rise."

"Whether or not they agreed to your pay rise, make sure you thank your manager for meeting with you. Thank them personally in the room, then again in a follow-up email later that day or, if you had an afternoon meeting, the next business day," suggests Burney.

"In addition to thanking your manager for their time, your email should summarise why you felt deserving of a pay rise and the points you both discussed."