Executive Assistants’ Guide to Ask for a Raise

A conversation about getting a raise can definitely feel daunting. There are many factors to consider leading up to a conversation about compensation. Luckily, there are a few key rules of thumb to follow that will set you up to ask for a raise successfully. 

Properly preparing for your conversation will help ensure that your request is met with the response you’re hoping for. Here are a few essential things to keep in mind when the time comes.

How to Ask for a Raise: Timing

When you bring up a raise, you need to time it just right. To do so, you’ll have to consider a few things. If your company is not doing well, it’s not the time to start the conversation. You should always be aware of your company’s financial health, and recognize that when cutbacks and layoffs are happening, it’s not the best time to talk about an increase for yourself.

You should also consider the weight of your boss’ workload. If your boss is stressed or their mind is focused on a million things at once, be mindful of this. Another important thing to consider is your performance at your job. Have you successfully completed a variety of significant tasks or projects? Always consider how your performance affects your credibility in bringing up a conversation of wanting more. 

When you ask to talk about a raise, you want to be sure that everything is set in place. This means that your executive isn’t busy, your work is going well, and you have done your due diligence. By reassuring yourself that things are going smoothly you can easily pick out the best time and place to ask for a raise.

Asking for a Raise Based on Your Position

You’ll want to research salary trends for your line of work as an executive assistant. Doing your due diligence can provide you with the ammunition you need to ask for a well-deserved raise. Learn the market value and salary range of your position before bringing up the conversation. This will help you determine how much to ask for and what your employer may consider giving you. Always be sure to consider your qualifications, make a list of your accomplishments and accolades, and identify a salary range or percentage that you and your employer will be happy with. 

What Should I Say?

When you set a meeting with your employer, you want to be sure that you know exactly what you are going to say. Be sure you rehearse what you are going to say, and always start with a light opener that alleviates any tension in the air. You’ll then want to follow up with specifics, including why you think you deserve a raise, how much you want, and why it makes sense. Always prepare and rehearse professional talking points. 

Will I Need to Answer Any Questions?

Yes, you will need to be prepared to answer any questions that your employer may have in store or come up with on the spot. Even if you’ve asked for your raise at the right time and have given evidence that you deserve to be paid more, your manager will still give the request careful consideration. You should expect your employer to ask follow-up questions such as inquiring about details of your recent accomplishments or the salary research that you’ve done. 

Whatever the case, always be sure to conduct your research properly and do your due diligence so you can answer any questions sufficiently. When all is said and done, always be sure to thank your employer for their time whether you’ve gotten the raise or not.

Want to Learn More?

Following these guidelines for how to ask for a raise precisely can greatly increase your chances of getting the raise you desire. If you’d like to learn more, check out the American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP). ASAP is dedicated to providing business professionals with all of the insights, tips, and tricks they need to succeed in their career field.