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GUIDE · CAREER MONEY
What to say, when to ask, and what if they say no.
Photo: Olenka Kotyk olenka_kotyk / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
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§ 1 · CAREER
Check BLS wage data, job postings and salary sites for your role in your city.
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§ 2 · CAREER
Pick a floor, a target and a stretch. Ask near the stretch. Never go below the floor.
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§ 3 · CAREER
List results with numbers: sales, savings, new duties and people you trained.
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§ 4 · CAREER
Ask after a big win and before next year's budget is set, often in the fall.
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§ 5 · CAREER
Ask for 30 minutes on the calendar. Never ambush your boss in a hallway.
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§ 6 · CAREER
Thank them, share your wins, name a number. Then stop talking and let them think.
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§ 7 · CAREER
Ask what it would take. Get goals in writing and a date to revisit.
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§ 8 · CAREER
A bonus, a new title, extra time off, paid training or a higher 401(k) match.
Photo: Fabrice Florin, Aaron Arcos / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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§ 9 · CAREER
No threats, no coworker comparisons, no asking by text. Follow up by email.
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Word-for-word scripts and answers to every "no" in our full guide.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons (credits on each page)