How to ask for a $10,000 Raise
The subtle art of asking for a raise without appearing greedy is a fine balance but these 5 steps can help.
You interviewed, they made an offer but you think you can get a little more.
Last month, I helped a guy negotiate a $10,000 pay increase for a job offer.
After receiving the initial offer, he very wisely asked for a day to think about it (always ask for a day to think about) and called me for some pointers.
He is currently freelancing and would make more in the gig economy than he ever could full time but being a father of one and another on the way, he needed some stable income and he loved the company that made the offer.
Here’s the 5 steps to negotiating for more money:
1. Make sure this happens in conversation, not email. Don’t do this over email. Ever.
2. Show gratitude for the offer, and say you are really excited about the prospect and ask if there’s room for negotiation. This level sets the conversation.
3. Share the value that you can bring, reiterate on what contributions you can make to solve the problems they have as a company. Highlight your abilities. Remember they’re hiring you to solve a problem, not because you’re a nice person.
4. Set the range and be upfront about the market value for your skills and abilities and then share you want to work there and why. Remember, they don’t care if you have a bunch of kids, or student loan debt or that inflation is too dang high. They care about you solving their problems, did I say that already?
5. Use the phrase, “Would it be crazy if we could bump it 10k higher?” (It’s not crazy, it’s reasonable) and if so, you’re ready to sign right away. Create urgency and excitement.
He followed those 5 steps to a tee, the hiring manager said the extra 10k isn’t a problem and he started the following Monday.
What do you think? Do you negotiate salaries or simply accept them?