How to Ask for a Raise After Three Months at a New Job

Asking for a raise just three months into a new job can be nerve-wracking. However, with the right preparation and strategy, it can be an effective conversation. This guide will walk you through the steps to approach this delicate situation with confidence and professionalism.

Evaluate Your Performance

Assess Contributions: Reflect on the projects you've completed, any positive feedback you've received, and your overall performance. Write down specific achievements and successes to highlight during your discussion.

Understand Expectations: Clarify your role and responsibilities. Have you met or exceeded expectations? Understanding your performance relative to your job description is crucial for justifying your request.

Research Salary Standards

Market Rate: Research the typical salary for your position in your industry and location. Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn can provide valuable insights into current market standards.

Internal Benchmarks: If possible, find out what others in similar roles at your company are earning. This can help you gauge whether your current salary is competitive within the organization.

Prepare Your Case

Document Achievements: Create a detailed list of your contributions, skills, and any additional responsibilities you've taken on. This list will serve as a reference during your discussion.

Consider Timing: Choose an appropriate time to discuss your request. Ideally, this would be after a successful project or during a scheduled performance review. Timing can greatly impact the effectiveness of your request.

Request a Meeting

Schedule a Meeting: Ask your manager for a one-on-one meeting to discuss your performance and future at the company. This shows your dedication and professionalism.

Communicate Effectively

Be Direct but Polite: During the meeting, express your appreciation for the opportunity and discuss your contributions. Then ask about the possibility of a raise. Be clear and assertive but maintain a professional tone.

Use “I” Statements: Frame your request in terms of your achievements and value. For example, "I believe my contributions and hard work have added significant value to the company, and I would like to discuss the possibility of a salary adjustment."

Be Open to Feedback

Listen to Your Manager: Be prepared for any response – whether it's positive or negative. If the answer is no, ask for feedback on what you can do to earn a raise in the future. This shows your willingness to improve and develop within the organization.

Follow Up

Thank Your Manager: Regardless of the outcome, thank your manager for their time and consideration. Express gratitude for the opportunity to work with them and the company.

Set Future Goals: If the raise is not possible now, ask for specific goals or milestones that could lead to a future salary review. This helps maintain a positive and forward-looking discussion.

Here's a brief example of how you might frame your request:

“Thank you for meeting with me. I’ve really enjoyed my time here and feel that I’ve made significant contributions such as [mention specific achievements]. Based on my research and the market standards, I would like to discuss the possibility of a salary adjustment. I’m eager to continue growing with the company and contributing to our success."

Remember to be confident but also realistic about your expectations, especially early in your tenure. Approaching the conversation with honesty and professionalism increases the chances of a positive outcome.

Key Takeaways:

Reflect on your accomplishments and specific achievements. Research market standards and internal benchmarks. Choose an appropriate time for your discussion. Communicate clearly and professionally. Be open to feedback and ready for follow-up.

Good luck with your salary negotiation!