You want to ask for a raise, but you’re nervous. How can you build your confidence?

Asking for a raise can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you feel unsure about your value or performance. However, you don't have to let your anxiety stop you from pursuing your career goals and getting paid what you deserve. In this article, you will learn how to build your confidence and prepare for a successful salary negotiation with your boss.

1 Know your worth

The first step to building your confidence is to know your worth as an employee. This means researching the market rate for your role, industry, and location, as well as gathering evidence of your achievements, contributions, and impact on the organization. You can use online tools, such as Glassdoor or PayScale, to compare salaries and get a realistic range of what you can expect. You can also document your accomplishments, feedback, and recognition in a portfolio or a brag sheet that showcases your value and skills.

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Tanya L.

Director, People and Culture
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Come armed with benchmarks on your role within your industry. Bring examples of how you saved the company money, for example, how have you improved processes which in turn saved time and saving time equates to saving money.

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2 Practice your pitch

The second step to building your confidence is to practice your pitch before the actual meeting. This means rehearsing what you want to say, how you want to say it, and how you will handle possible objections or questions from your boss. You can write down your main points, such as why you deserve a raise, how much you are asking for, and how you have supported the company's goals and vision. You can also practice in front of a mirror, a friend, or a mentor, and ask for feedback on your tone, body language, and delivery.

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Tanya L.

Director, People and Culture
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Know your worth, know what you have brought to the table recently, and think about the rebuttals you may be faced with and prepare for them with specific metrics to make your point.

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3 Focus on the positive

The third step to building your confidence is to focus on the positive aspects of the situation, rather than the negative ones. This means reframing your thoughts and emotions, and avoiding self-doubt, fear, or guilt. You can use affirmations, such as "I am a valuable and respected employee", "I have done a great job and deserve a raise", or "I can handle this conversation with confidence and professionalism". You can also visualize a successful outcome, and imagine yourself feeling happy, proud, and satisfied after the meeting.

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4 Be prepared for any scenario

The fourth step to building your confidence is to be prepared for any scenario that might happen during the negotiation. This means anticipating the possible responses from your boss, and having a plan for each one. For example, if your boss agrees to your request, you should thank them and confirm the details in writing. If your boss says no, you should ask for the reasons, and try to understand their perspective. If your boss says maybe, you should follow up and set a timeline for a decision.

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5 Learn from the experience

The fifth step to building your confidence is to learn from the experience, regardless of the outcome. This means reflecting on what went well, what went wrong, and what you can improve for the future. You can also celebrate your achievements, and appreciate your courage and effort. You can also seek feedback from your boss, and use it to grow your skills and performance. By learning from the experience, you will be more confident and prepared for the next time you ask for a raise.

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6 Keep improving your skills

The sixth and final step to building your confidence is to keep improving your skills and knowledge in your field. This means pursuing opportunities for learning, development, and growth, both inside and outside the company. You can take courses, attend webinars, read books, or join professional networks that can help you enhance your abilities and stay updated on the latest trends and best practices. By keeping improving your skills, you will increase your value and credibility as an employee, and boost your chances of getting a raise in the future.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Jessica Glazer

Top Canadian Recruiter, Placing 100k, 200k 300k, 400k+ Jobs in Canada but based in Montreal. Recruitment Director/ Mentor/ Coach And Above All Truth Teller And Top 1% on LinkedIn at MindHR Inc Placement Agency
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Just ask. If you don’t ask you don’t know but be prepared if the answer is ´Thank but no thank you. This is not the right time for us, I need to see a, b, c first´ How will you feel? What will you do? Be confident and prepared when asking but be confident and prepared to what will happen if it doesn’t work out exactly as you want. Have a plan b and c as well

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You want to ask for a raise, but you’re nervous. How can you build your confidence?

1

2

3

4

5

6

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1 Know your worth

2 Practice your pitch

3 Focus on the positive

4 Be prepared for any scenario

5 Learn from the experience

6 Keep improving your skills

7 Here’s what else to consider

Training

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You want to ask for a raise, but you’re nervous. How can you build your confidence?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know your worth

2 Practice your pitch

3 Focus on the positive

4 Be prepared for any scenario

5 Learn from the experience

6 Keep improving your skills

7 Here’s what else to consider

Training

Rate this article

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