You’re hoping for a raise, but your boss isn’t budging. What could you be doing wrong?

In my experience research is key. Perhaps you haven't adequately prepared to make your case. Have you documented your achievements, contributions, and added value to the company? Providing concrete examples of your accomplishments can strengthen your argument.

One potential reason your boss may be resistant to giving you a raise could be a lack of thorough research on your part. Before approaching the topic, it's essential to understand your market value by comparing your current salary with industry standards, considering your skills and experience. Investigate industry trends and your company's financial situation to gauge the feasibility of a raise. Additionally, evaluate your own performance and contributions, providing tangible evidence to substantiate your request. Failing to gather this crucial data may give the impression that your salary expectations are arbitrary or detached from market realities, potentially hindering your chances of a successful negotiation.

In my experience timing is pivotal. Are you asking for a raise at an inappropriate time, such as when the company is facing financial difficulties or during a period of organizational change? Timing is crucial when requesting a raise.

Another possible misstep that might be hindering your chances of getting a raise is poor timing. The art of choosing the right moment is crucial; it's essential to approach your boss when they are in a positive mood, the company is thriving, and you have recent accomplishments to highlight. Avoid waiting solely for annual reviews or the end of the fiscal year, as these times may be too late or busy for substantial discussions. Furthermore, refrain from seeking a raise when your boss is stressed, distracted, or unhappy, and avoid doing so when you are feeling frustrated, angry, or desperate. Selecting an opportune time ensures that your request is more likely to be received positively and considered with due attention.

It may be that you chose an inappropriate time to address the issue of the increase. The text highlights the importance of timing, suggesting that you should choose a time when your boss is in a good mood, the company is doing well and you have recent achievements to show off. Avoid asking for a raise during times of stress, distraction, or dissatisfaction from your boss, as well as when you are feeling frustrated, angry, or desperate.

Book time specifically with your manager to talk about this topic. Talk to them about why you think you deserve a raise and ask them for a timeline on when its possible. Also spend the time listening to their side of the story as well - sometimes the managers are also stuck and have not been given the budget to give raises even if they want to. Remember, communication is a 2 way street - you have to both speak up and also listen the feedback being given to you.

How are you communicating your request? Are you being assertive but respectful? Effective communication skills are essential when negotiating a raise.

Not following up properly can be a mistake. Make sure you follow through after the initial discussion, showing continued interest and a willingness to negotiate.

This may come as a shock. Its VERY likely that your boss does not have the authority to increase your compensation, at least not unilaterally. Long are the days when people budgets were distributed deep into the organization, where first line managers were empowered financially. With titanic shifts in technology role needs, and technology IT budgets staying relatively flat (as compared to inflation), compensation decisions have been centralized, and delivered programmatically across the organization. You goal is to impress your leadership up and across the hierarchy so that your name and capability is WELL KNOWN during the compensation increase discussions.

This article kinda misses the point about asking for raises. It's not just about whether you're doing it right or wrong. Businesses have to watch their budget and make sure they're making money. Each job has a certain worth to the company, and they can't just pay more than that, even if you really deserve a raise. It's all about balancing what you're worth with what the job is worth to the company. So, even if you're amazing at your job, the cash has to make sense for the business too. Try to increase the value of the role by improving a process, creating an invention, or reducing a cost... change the "equation" to make the numbers work

Some organisations have rigid pay structures or promotion cycles. Understanding these policies can help you align your expectations and possibly find other ways to negotiate benefits if a salary/remuneration increase isn't feasible.