How to ask for a raise

Here is how to ask for a raise:

Ask for a raise.

Just asking is the most important thing. A lot of people don’t. Not everybody who asks gets one, but almost nobody who doesn’t ask gets one.


If you want to get fancy, have good reasons. What are good reasons? Go make a friend in HR and ask. Here’s a starting point:

  • Underpaid relative to other companies who might hire you
  • Long time since last raise
  • Outstanding evaluation
  • Credible threat to leave
  • Been at the company for a while
  • Increase in responsibilities without increase in pay. Implicit promotion.

Also: a promotion is the single best way to get a raise. Go ask for one. Make your desire to move up known.

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