If you’re thinking of asking for a pay rise and are feeling stuck on how to do this the first step is to request a salary review. The rest is research, prep and having the right approach. If you’re wondering how to do this here are a few steps and tips to ensure the conversation goes smoothly.

Step 1: Request a Meeting

• Specifically request a salary review meeting. In the same way you want to prepare for the conversation, you should provide your manager with the opportunity to do the same. This way, they come prepared to listen to your salary request and discuss it with you.
• The meeting will be with management, this will generally be with your Line Manager and HR Manager.
• Pick the right time as businesses go through cycles, generally, a good time for this is before the start of the new financial year.

Step 2: Do your Research and Prepare the Facts

• Research the market and have evidence to support your request. You want to ensure you’re fair and understand your ask.
• Understand your company policies and procedures so check your business’s guidelines around pay raises in your employee handbook or employment contract.
• Look at your job description and write out any additional duties you perform have a clear outline of what you’ve achieved in your role so far.
• Going into the meeting have a clear outline of your desired outcome with both the minimum and maximum you’re willing to accept in mind.

Step 3: Practice your Delivery

• Always start with the positives, what you enjoy about the business and your role.
• Be clear and concise.
• Prepare to negotiate.
• This is an emotionally charged conversation as it’s putting a dollar value on your performance and worth in the workplace. But remember to leave emotion out of the meeting.

Step 4: Post-Meeting Follow-up

• After the meeting send an email to thank your manager for taking the review into consideration and include the points you discussed. This is to document the meeting in writing and clear up any potential confusion in the future.
• These things can take time, you may not get an answer on the spot. Use this as a tool to follow up on your request. But also, be prepared to have multiple conversations before reaching an outcome.

Want to know market rates for your role? View and download a copy of our 2023-2024 Salary Guide, here.

If you would like a confidential discussion regarding your salary and potential new opportunities, you can contact us at (03) 9500 2797 or connect@brookrecruitment.com.au