Leadership coach Nina Devouge shares her tips for negotiating your worth and securing a raise with confidence and professionalism
Realising you're earning less than your market value is frustrating and warrants a call to action. Whether you've discovered you’re 20 per cent undervalued or suspect you're not being paid what you're worth, it’s time to take control and negotiate for what you deserve.
A few years ago, I found out I was being paid significantly less than peers in similar roles across other regions. Considering the complexity of my work and responsibilities, it felt unfair. Instead of letting frustration consume me, I decided to act.
I initiated a candid conversation with my boss, backed by thorough research and a clear plan. I had built my case, highlighted my contributions and aligned my request with business goals. Eventually, in eight months, I secured the 30 per cent raise I deserved.
If you find yourself in a similar position, here’s how you can do it too.
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Step 1: Know your worth
Your confidence in negotiation starts with solid research. Understanding your market value allows you to build a compelling case based on facts, not emotions.
- Use tools like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary Insights, and PayScale to gather salary data for your role, location and experience level.
- Document your achievements throughout the year, such as revenue growth, cost savings, or process improvements that demonstrate your impact.
I used to keep a ‘Praise File’ where I kept any e-mails that I had received which had complimented my work and collaborations that highlighted my contribution. It helped me through promotion conversations and salary negotiations.
Step 2: Understand the bigger picture
Before approaching your boss, consider their perspective.
- Is your company growing, or are budgets tight? Understanding their position helps you tailor your request.
- If competitors are offering higher salaries for similar roles, position your request as a proactive measure to retain talent.
- Align your discussion with annual review cycles or after a major success in your role to maximise impact.