How to Ask for a Raise (And Actually Get It)

MISSION:

Career Ladder helps motivated professionals grow their career and income in half the time by sharing career strategies used by the top 1% professionals.

Many people fumble salary negotiations—not because they don’t deserve a raise… but because they don’t know how to ask.

Here’s a proven way to ask and get a yes”…

In This Issue

  • Today’s Ladder: How to get your boss to say yes.

  • Takeaway: Use the “Raise Formula” then watch your salary grow.

  • Resources: Links to helpful resources.

  • ICYMI: Links to recent editions.

Today’s Ladder:

How to Get Your Boss to Say Yes to the Raise

Most people assume raises are given based on tenure or hard work.

Let me set the record straight:

Raises aren’t always a given. They’re negotiated.

Think about it—two employees with the same job, same responsibilities, and same experience… but one earns significantly more.

It’s not because they worked harder. It’s because they knew how to ask.

And here’s the key:

Your boss won’t give you a raise just because you want one. You have to prove you’ve earned it.

Here’s a formula the top 1% use to do just that…

The Raise Formula: Impact + Timing + Confidence.

Here’s how it works:

✅ Impact – Don’t just say you deserve a raise. Show how you’ve directly contributed to the company’s success (e.g., increased revenue, saved time, improved processes).

✅ Timing – Ask when your boss is most receptive (e.g. after a big win, during performance reviews, or when budgets are being set).

✅ Confidence – Don’t apologize or hesitate. Present your case with data, not emotions.

Example: “Over the last six months, I’ve initiated and led projects that increased our department’s efficiency by 20% and saved our company $50,000. Based on industry benchmarks, I believe a salary adjustment of X% is fair. How can we make this happen?”

🎯 Why does this work? 

Because companies don’t reward effort—they reward results.

If you can show your value, ask at the right time, and confidently present your case, you dramatically increase your chances of getting the raise you deserve.

Raises don’t just happen. They’re earned—and negotiated.

Master the ask, and you won’t just get a raise… 

You’ll get paid what you’re worth.

Takeaway:

Use “The Raise Formula Then Watch Your Salary Grow

You stare at the email draft, fingers hovering over the keyboard. The words feel stiff, rehearsed.

You delete them.

Rewrite.

Delete again.

It’s been two years. Two years of late nights, weekend emails, and solving problems no one else wanted to touch. Two years of being the go-to person, the safety net.

And yet—your paycheck hasn’t changed.

That’s why I created the “The Raise Formula.”

I believe that:

You have to show your company why they need you. Not why you need the money.

Dr. Lex

Tonight, you prepare.

You list every problem you’ve solved, every win that made your company money, saved time, or improved something.

You practice.

You walk into your boss’s office next week, steady.

When you finish making your case, there’s a pause.

Then a nod…

“Let me review this, but I agree—you’ve brought a lot of value.”

You exhale.

This time, you didn’t just hope.

You asked—and proved why you deserved it.

Resources:

  • Get Paid What You're Worth: The Expert Negotiators' Guide to Salary and Compensation - this book offers proven strategies for salary negotiation, helping readers build confidence and prepare for successful negotiations.

  • How to Ask for a Pay Increase - this podcast episode offers insights into overcoming fears and articulating your value proposition during salary negotiations.

  • The 7 Step Strategy that Works by Clark Glassford - this Youtube video presents a structured seven-step approach to asking for a raise, emphasizing preparation and confidence.

💥 Think You Know Your Leadership Style? Your personality might say otherwise.

🫵 Want to Get Ahead? Start managing your boss

💱 Is It Time for a Career Change? Here’s how to know and what to do.

I appreciate your feedback! It will help shape the future issues of CAREER LADDER!

If you’re curious why I want you to succeed in half the time, here’s why.

To your success,

Dr. Lex ✍️

When you’re ready, here’s how I can help:

If you’re tired of waiting for promotions, feeling stuck in your role, or watching less-experienced colleagues get ahead, it’s time you take control of your career. Here’s how…

Let’s Connect!

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