How to get a pay rise

You deserve to be rewarded for a job well done, but what’s the best way to get a pay rise and approach the subject?

If you’ve been putting in the hours and exceeding your targets, then you might feel that it’s time that your dedication to your job was repaid in the form of a pay rise.

According to Bart Turczynski, Content Team Lead at Uptowork career advice site, it’s all about how you approach the negotiations – and don’t assume that you’ll get one just because you think you deserve it: “Companies consider pay rises a privilege, not a right. You can always ask for a rise – it’s the negotiations that are tough,” he says.

According to Bart, you can maximise your chances of successfully negotiating a rise
if you approach the employer at the right time, for example:

After a successful project you led has been completed.
After you picked up someone else’s work, for example when a team member was away.
After delivering better than average results.

“If you want a rise, you have to prepare a list of achievements. If your company does quarterly reviews, pitch the idea then,” he says. He has some advice for how to frame your request, and what not to do. “Don’t put it off for too long. Employers forget about wins and get used to improved performance fast,” he adds. “Don’t suggest it’s time for a rise too often; the request will lose its power.”

Show your boss why you add value to the company, and how you will continue to do so. “When you ask, you want to show why it will make sense for the employer to spend more money on you,” Bart advises. “They know it’s about acknowledging your efforts, but they also expect the rise to help you maintain this pace.”

If you want to find a new role, take a look at the vacancies on PharmaJobs.

Top 5 tips for securing a pay rise

Ella Patenall, Marketing & Editorial Executive at graduate recruitment firm, Inspiring Interns, says that although asking for a pay rise can be nerve-wracking, there are steps you can take to improve your chances:

1. Do it face-to-face

Meeting in person is likely to be far more persuasive than an email. The flexibility of the situation allows you to explain yourself better. It is also easier to gauge reactions and negotiate.

2. Choose the right time

Perhaps you carried out a successful campaign or took on extra responsibilities. Demonstrating that you go above and beyond your role to solve a business problem will put you in a good light.

3. Do your research

Speak to those in your company doing your role or similar, use online salary checkers, explore job boards and speak to recruiters/hiring specialists to get an idea of the average salary for your role.

4. Follow up

If, for whatever reason, you do not get a pay rise, ask for another review in three months’ time. Use this time to demonstrate that you are hardworking, motivated and take the initiative.

5. Be ready to negotiate

Negotiation is a good skill to have and is something you should be ready to do. How much scope is just and reasonable? What are you not willing to accept?