Asking for a raise is normal – but can be stressful. What do you need to do to ensure you’re getting paid what you’re worth?
First of all, timing is important. If your company is working on big projects or experiencing transitional periods, asking then could appear as distracted or out of touch. Wait at least a year from your hire date.
If your company has performance reviews, it might come up then – but don’t rely on this! Sometimes supervisors overlook our progress, so make sure you keep a record of your accomplishments.
Know your worth! Research your position online and find out what others in your industry are making. As Black people, we’re often underpaid compared to our white counterparts. Are you being paid what you’re worth?
Don’t become discouraged if the response isn’t what you wanted. If you hear a maybe, ask when you should follow up. If they tell you no, don’t be disappointed – you could be tapped out at your position and can instead discuss a promotion! If not, ask what you can do in the future to earn a raise.
Knowing these tips will make the process of asking for a raise much easier. We’re often blocked from career opportunities and it’s not always easy to demand fairness. But that’s why it’s important we do so!