How to Ask Your Manager for a Raise or Promotion

Asking for a raise or a promotion feels scary. I know, because I recently did it myself: I asked for a promotion and a raise.

A lot of us believe good work will speak for itself: if we work hard enough, someone will notice and offer us more. Sometimes that happens. Most of the time, it doesn’t. You have to ask.

Many people tell me they’re nervous about this conversation, so in this post I share how I think about it now, how to prepare, and what to do if the answer isn’t yes yet.

Why you need to ask (and why it’s okay)

Your manager is busy. They have their own goals, their own manager and a team full of people. They may not know that you want to grow, or what you think you deserve. Asking isn’t greedy or rude. It’s giving your manager the information they need to help you.

It also helps you. Even if the answer is “not now”, you’ll learn what you need to do to get there, and your manager will know you’re serious.

When is the right time to ask?

Timing helps a lot. Good moments are usually:

• Before the yearly review or budget cycle, when decisions about raises and promotions are still being made.
• After a big win, like a successful project, a happy client or a goal you beat.
• When your role has grown, and you’re doing more than your job description says.

Not-so-good moments are when the company is clearly struggling, or when your manager is under a lot of pressure that week. A short “When would be a good time to talk about my growth?” is a nice way to start.

How to prepare for the conversation

Write down what you’ve achieved

This is the most important step. List your results from the last six to twelve months: projects you finished, problems you solved, numbers you moved, praise you received. Be specific. “I improved our process” is weak. “I cut the time we spend on this report in half” is strong.

Know what you’re asking for

Be clear in your own head before you go in. Is it a promotion to a specific role? A raise? Both? If it’s money, do some research on what similar roles pay, so your number is realistic.

Connect it to the future, not just the past

Your achievements show what you’ve done. But a promotion is also about what you’ll do next. Think about how you’d add more value in the bigger role.

Practise out loud

It sounds silly, but say it out loud a few times, to a friend or even to the mirror. The first time you say “I’d like to talk about a promotion” shouldn’t be in front of your manager.

During the conversation

• Stay calm and positive. This is a career conversation, not a fight.
• Lead with your results, then make your ask.
• Listen. Your manager may have information you don’t, like budgets, timelines or what the next level really requires.
• Ask what “yes” would need. If it’s not possible now, ask clearly: “What would I need to show to get there, and by when?”
• Agree on next steps. A follow-up date, a development plan, or a check-in in a few months.

What if the answer is no?

A no, or a “not yet”, is not the end. I’ve heard no many times in my career, including 76 rejections before I got the role I really wanted, so I know it stings. But it’s also information.

Ask for specific feedback, write it down, and work on it. Then go back with proof. If, after a fair amount of time, nothing moves and you don’t see a path, it might also be a sign to look at opportunities elsewhere. I wrote more about handling this in how to deal with job rejection.

Why it’s worth it

Asking can feel uncomfortable. But preparing a list of your achievements reminds you how much you’ve actually done. And having the conversation makes your goals clear, to your manager and to yourself.

If you’re thinking about asking, this is your sign to start preparing. Your future self will thank you.

Frequently asked questions

How do I ask my manager for a raise?

Prepare a list of specific achievements, research what similar roles pay, pick a good moment such as before review season, and ask clearly and calmly. If the answer is no, ask what you’d need to show to get there.

When is the best time to ask for a promotion?

Before the yearly review or budget planning, after a big win, or when your role has clearly grown beyond your job description.

What should I say when asking for a promotion?

Start with your results, explain how you’d add more value in the bigger role, and then make your ask. Keep it short, specific and positive.

What if my manager says no?

Ask what you’d need to show and by when, agree on a follow-up date, and work on the feedback. A “not yet” can turn into a yes with the right proof.

Have you ever asked for a raise or promotion? How did it go? Tell me in the comments 👇