How to Ask for a Raise as a Woman: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve been mustering up the courage to ask for a raise at work, you should know it’s natural to hesitate when thinking about asking for a raise, especially as a woman. And it’s twice as hard as a working mom, tirelessly juggling home and career responsibilities, often putting your needs last. It’s possible the fear of rocking the boat might be holding you back.
But remember, advocating for your worth is about more than finances. It’s about acknowledging your valuable contributions to your workplace. You deserve to be fairly compensated for your hard work, and your employer needs to recognize this, too.
Below we’ll show you how to ask for a raise as a woman, just as confidently as you are the leader of your home. Together, we can eliminate the anxiety and promote your growth so that you can negotiate the raise you truly deserve.
And for more tips to help you be your best self at work and home, don’t forget to grab your FREE guide on How to Plan a Stress-Free Week without Burnout, which includes my top hacks and an editable weekly planner to help busy, working moms achieve a calmer, more productive week!
I remember the first time I asked for a raise after becoming a mom. At home, I was raising a newborn and a 3 year old, but while at work, I had taken on extra projects and delivered great results. I knew it was time to ask for more, but I needed to make sure my request, and the evidence to support it, was air tight.
I started by researching salary benchmarks for my role and gathering data to back up my case. I made a list of my accomplishments and got some feedback from colleagues and clients that highlighted my impact. Armed with all this prep, I scheduled a meeting with my boss. I was nervous but determined, and I confidently laid out my case, emphasizing my achievements, extra responsibilities, and the industry salary data.
To my relief, my boss was pretty receptive. While he couldn’t approve the full raise immediately, he acknowledged my contributions and agreed to a decent increase, with a plan to review again in six months. This experience not only got me a well-deserved raise but also boosted my confidence in standing up for my worth, both as a professional and a working mom.
Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as just asking your boss for more money. Especially because women are statistically undercompensated at work (just 77 cents for every dollar men are paid!), we need to approach the conversation with a well-prepared strategy. This means researching industry salary standards, gathering evidence of your accomplishments and contributions, and understanding the right timing and approach for your request. By being thoroughly prepared, we can confidently advocate for ourselves and work towards closing the gender pay gap.
Whether you’ve taken on more responsibilities or celebrated another work anniversary with a standout performance, it’s time to step forward.
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How to Know When to Ask for a Raise
So, you think it might be time to ask for a raise? Perfect! The timing of this conversation needs to be just right. Here are some tell-tale clues that it’s time for a raise:
You’ve Hit Significant Milestones
Let’s tally up your wins! What magic have you brought to your workplace lately? Think about the projects you’ve led, the targets you’ve hit, and all those times you’ve gone above and beyond. Jot them down and be proud of yourself! This list is your ammo for the raise talk.
You’ve Supported Company Growth
Is your company on a roll, buzzing with success? Have your efforts played a part in the company’s growth or expansion plans? Did you just knock a big project out of the park? Strike while the iron’s hot!
You’ve Consistently Gotten Great Feedback
Are you getting regular praise from your boss, colleagues, or clients? Consistently positive feedback is a clear sign that your contributions are highly valued and should be recognized financially. Aligning your ask during positive performance reviews can also be a smart move.
You’ve Gained Some Valuable New Skills
Have you gained new skills, certifications, or qualifications that make you more valuable to your company? Continuous professional development is a solid reason to ask for a raise, reflecting your increased expertise and contribution.
You’ve Taken on More Responsibility
Have you been stepping up to take on extra tasks or projects without a change in your job title or pay? If you’re handling more than what your current role demands, it’s a strong indicator that you’re due for a raise.
Choosing the right moment can make all the difference. This way, when you learn all the steps that go into how to negotiate your raise, you’ll be all set.
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How to Prepare Your Case For a Higher Salary
Now it’s time to get your ducks in a row. Here’s what you need to do to prep for the conversation:
First, gather up all those achievements because it’s time to get what you deserve.
Then, you’ll need to connect the dots between what you do and your company’s goals. How have you helped increase revenue, improve efficiency, or enhance customer satisfaction? Be sure to show the company the data and real results that highlight your impact. For example, if your project boosted sales by 20%, make sure to highlight that.
It’s also a good idea to have a few benchmarks about what others in your field earn to make your case even stronger. Websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and LinkedIn can be invaluable for this.
Finally, practice your pitch. Rehearse what you’re going to say, focus on your key points, and be confident, clear, and concise. Remember, you’re not just asking for more money—you’re asking for recognition of your hard work and the value you bring to the company.
How to Approach the Conversation
Ready to talk about that raise? Awesome! Here’s how you can stride into that meeting room (or log into that call) with the assurance of a mom who’s negotiated peace treaties between toddlers.
Step 1: Initiate the Dialogue
To kick off the convo, you might start with a casual yet professional intro, like, “Hey, I’ve been reflecting on my role and contributions here, and I’d love to discuss my career path and compensation.”
It’s approachable, open, and sets the stage for a serious yet friendly discussion. Remember, the way you open can set the tone for the whole chat, so keep it light but firm.
Step 2: Articulate Your Case
Now, dazzle them with your homework! Lay out the facts you’ve prepared: your successes, the extra responsibilities you’ve shouldered, and how you’ve boosted the team or company’s performance.
Be confident, and let your achievements shine. Weave your achievements into a story of success, backed by solid data and a clear narrative that highlights your worth.
Step 3: Prepare for Pushback
Not all conversations will go as planned, and that’s okay. If you hit a bit of turbulence, keep your cool like the pro mom you are. Listen to any concerns or objections they might have. Then, calmly address them with your prepared points, or ask open-ended questions to understand their perspective better and keep the dialogue going.
Step 4: Negotiate Effectively
Negotiation time! Negotiating a raise is all about striking a balance between being assertive and empathetic, much like persuading your kids to eat their veggies because it’s good for them, not just because you said so. Focus on keeping your tone positive and your body language open.
Use phrases like, “I believe my contributions to the team are well worth considering for a raise because…” rather than, “I need more money.” It’s all about framing your request in a way that highlights your value and aligns your goals with those of the company.
Step 5: Consider Non-Monetary Benefits
Sometimes, the budget might not stretch to give you a cash increase, but don’t panic! Think about other perks that might be just as golden. Flexible work hours, the possibility to work from home, additional vacation days, professional development opportunities, or even a better title.
Don’t discount benefits in place of money- these benefits can sometimes be just as satisfying and beneficial in the long run.
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Step 6: Express An Interest In The Company’s Future
Finally, consider this negotiation part of your longer career journey. Express your commitment to the company and your eagerness to take on new challenges to set the stage for future discussions.
Be sure to establish a follow-up meeting to revisit your compensation in the future, showing that you’re in this for the long haul. Just like planning family goals, having a clear roadmap for your career can help guide your growth and ensure your efforts are recognized and rewarded.
Conclusion
Getting the raise you deserve takes preparation, timing, and a touch of finesse. Learning how to negotiate your raise, especially as a woman and mom, can seem stressful. But remember, advocating for your worth isn’t just about benefiting yourself. It’s about setting an example for your children and ensuring you’re valued as the powerhouse you are.
So, take a deep breath, muster up that mom-fidence, and step into the negotiation room ready to go. You’ve now got all the tools you need to make a compelling case.
Hi I’m Yesenia,
a working mom of two kids. I’ve experienced all of the beautiful and crazy moments of early parenthood: breastfeeding, picky eaters, toilet training, balancing work with kids, and the list continues!
I created Hard Knock Mama to help working moms navigate through their child’s early years and find a successful balance in their home, work, and life.