Asking for a raise can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also one of the most important financial conversations you’ll have in your career. Done right, it can boost your salary significantly. Done wrong? It can make you look unprofessional—or worse, ruin your chances altogether.
Many employees unknowingly sabotage their own raise requests by using the wrong approach. Here are the 10 worst ways to ask for a raise—and what actually works instead.
1. Asking Without Any Preparation
Going into a salary discussion without research or a clear case is a recipe for failure. If you just walk in and say, “Can I get a raise?” without showing why you deserve it, your boss will likely say no.
What Works Instead:
- Do your research. Look up salary benchmarks for your role on sites like Glassdoor or Payscale.
- Prepare a list of accomplishments. Show how you’ve added value to the company.
- Practice your pitch. Be ready to make a confident, data-backed request.
2. Asking at the Wrong Time
Timing matters. If your company is going through layoffs, budget cuts, or your boss is in a bad mood, it’s the worst time to ask.
What Works Instead:
- Wait for the right moment. The best times are after a big achievement, during performance reviews, or when your company is financially strong.
- Pay attention to your boss’s schedule. If they’re overwhelmed, pick a better time.
3. Comparing Yourself to Co-Workers
Saying “Sarah makes more than me, so I deserve a raise” is a terrible argument. Companies don’t care about fairness—they care about value. Comparing salaries can backfire and make you look unprofessional.
What Works Instead:
- Focus on your own contributions. Show how you’ve exceeded expectations.
- Use industry benchmarks. Instead of comparing to colleagues, compare to market rates.
4. Threatening to Quit (Without a Backup Plan)
Saying “Give me a raise or I’ll leave” might work if you’re truly valuable—but if your boss calls your bluff and you don’t have another offer, you could end up unemployed.
What Works Instead:
- Use leverage wisely. If you have another job offer, you can strategically mention it—but never bluff.
- Show why investing in you is worth it. Instead of threats, highlight your impact and how a raise benefits the company.
5. Saying “I Need More Money” (Without Justifying It)
Your personal financial struggles (rent increases, student loans, inflation) aren’t a reason for your boss to give you a raise. Raises are about business value, not personal need.
What Works Instead:
- Frame it around performance. Show how your work has increased revenue, improved efficiency, or contributed to company goals.
- Use quantifiable results. Instead of saying, “I need a raise because my rent went up,” say, “I increased sales by 20%—I’d like to discuss a salary adjustment to reflect that.”
6. Being Too Vague or Indirect
Saying “I was hoping to talk about my compensation” is weak. If you don’t clearly ask for a raise, your boss might ignore the request or brush it off.
What Works Instead:
- Be direct and confident. Say: “I’d like to discuss a salary adjustment based on my contributions and market value.”
- State a number. If you don’t ask for a specific amount, you might end up with a smaller raise than you deserve.
7. Only Bringing It Up Once (and Giving Up If You Hear “No”)
Hearing “no” doesn’t mean you should give up. Many raises take multiple conversations over time.
What Works Instead:
- Ask for feedback. If your boss says no, ask, “What can I do to earn a raise in the next six months?”
- Follow up. If they set goals for you, meet them—and bring it up again later.
8. Making It About How Long You’ve Been There
Just because you’ve been at a company for a certain amount of time doesn’t mean you automatically deserve a raise. Employers pay based on performance, not tenure.
What Works Instead:
- Show your impact. Instead of saying, “I’ve been here three years,” say, “Over the past three years, I’ve helped improve productivity by 30% and led major projects that increased revenue.”
- Demonstrate growth. Employers want to see progress, not just longevity.
Read More: I Took a Pay Cut for Work-Life Balance — Was It Worth It?
9. Asking Over Email (or in a Casual Chat)
Email is too easy to ignore, and a casual hallway conversation isn’t serious enough. If you want a raise, treat it like an important business discussion.
What Works Instead:
- Schedule a formal meeting. Request time with your manager: “I’d like to set up a time to discuss my compensation. When would be a good time?”
- Have the conversation face-to-face (or over video). In-person discussions are much more persuasive.
Read More: I Applied to 50 Jobs in a Week — Here’s What I Learned
10. Waiting for Your Boss to Bring It Up
Most companies won’t offer you a raise unless you ask. Even if they think you deserve one, they might delay it to save money.
What Works Instead:
- Take initiative. If you haven’t had a raise in over a year, it’s time to ask.
- Track your accomplishments. Keep a list of tangible contributions so you’re always prepared to discuss your value.
Read More: 10 New Workplace Trends That Are Changing How We Work
