How to Negotiate a Pay Rise: A Recruiter’s Guide to Getting What You’re Worth

Negotiating a pay rise can feel like one of the most uncomfortable conversations in the workplace, but it shouldn’t be. As recruiters, we regularly see professionals undervalue themselves or hesitate to speak up. Yet, with the right preparation and mindset, negotiating your salary becomes a strategic conversation rather than an awkward request.

Whether you're preparing for a formal review or seizing the moment after a major achievement, here’s how to approach a pay rise conversation with confidence.

Know Your Value

Before initiating any salary discussion, you need to understand your market worth. This involves:

• Researching salary benchmarks for your role, industry, and location using sites like Glassdoor, Payscale, or industry-specific salary guides.

• Assessing your performance, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Have you taken on new tasks, led projects, improved processes, or exceeded KPIs?

• Knowing your unique value-add- what makes you hard to replace?

Bringing evidence of your impact makes the conversation data-driven rather than emotional.

Timing is Everything

The best time to ask for a raise is when:

• You've just completed a successful project or hit a significant milestone.

• Your company is doing well financially.

• You're approaching a performance review or contract renewal.

• You’ve taken on more responsibilities without additional compensation.

Avoid raising the topic during periods of budget cuts, layoffs, or if your manager is under unusual stress.

Prepare Your Case Like a Business Proposal

Think of this conversation as pitching an investment: you are the asset, and your manager is the stakeholder.

• Document your achievements: Quantify results wherever possible - percentages, revenue growth, customer feedback, etc.

• Align your work to business goals: Show how your performance directly supports the company’s objectives.

• Practice your delivery: Rehearse your key points and anticipate push-back.

Come prepared with a specific figure or salary range that reflects market rates and your value.

Keep It Professional and Positive

Frame the conversation around growth, not frustration. Instead of saying:

“I think I deserve a raise because I’ve been here a long time.”

Say:

“Over the past year, I’ve taken on additional responsibilities and consistently delivered results, and I’d like to discuss aligning my compensation with my current role.”

Avoid ultimatums or comparisons to coworkers. Focus on you and your contributions.

Be Ready to Listen and Collaborate

Negotiation is a two-way street. Your manager may need time, budget approval, or additional input from HR.

If a raise isn’t possible right now, ask about:

• A timeline for a review (e.g., in 3–6 months).

• Other forms of compensation (e.g., bonuses, extra PTO, flexible hours, professional development).

• What you need to achieve to earn that raise.

Having a road map helps you stay motivated and gives clarity on expectations.

Follow Up in Writing

After the conversation, summarise what was discussed in an email. This creates a paper trail and demonstrates professionalism.

Example:

“Thanks for taking the time to talk today. I appreciate the feedback and the opportunity to grow in my role. I’ll continue focusing on the objectives we discussed, and I look forward to revisiting this in a few months.”

Final Thoughts

Negotiating a pay rise isn’t about being aggressive, it’s about advocating for yourself with preparation, confidence, and professionalism. When done right, it can strengthen your relationship with your employer and set the stage for long-term career growth.

Remember: if you don’t ask, you don’t get.