How to Ask for a Higher Salary

Negotiating salary feels riskier than it is — most employers expect it, and a reasonable, well-timed ask rarely costs anyone an offer. The difference between a candidate who negotiates well and one who doesn't often comes down to timing and phrasing, not leverage.

During the interview process — don't go first

If asked your salary expectations early, give a researched range rather than a single number, and try to let the employer name a figure first when possible: "I'd like to learn more about the role's scope before landing on a number — what range did you have budgeted?" This keeps you from anchoring low.

When you have an offer — negotiate before you accept

Once an offer is on the table, you have the most leverage you'll have until your next offer. A simple, direct script works: "Thank you for the offer — I'm excited about the role. Based on my experience with [specific skill/result], I was hoping we could look at something closer to [target number]. Is there flexibility there?"

Asking for a raise in your current role

Bring evidence, not just tenure: 2–3 specific results since your last review, and market-rate data for your role and region. Ask directly in a scheduled conversation, not in passing: "Based on [specific results], I'd like to discuss adjusting my salary to reflect that. Can we set aside time to talk it through?"

If the answer is no

Ask what would need to be true for the answer to change, and by when — this turns a flat "no" into a concrete plan with a timeline. If a raise genuinely isn't possible, ask about non-salary levers: title, additional PTO, remote flexibility, or a defined review date in 3–6 months rather than the standard annual cycle.

Before any of these conversations, make sure your resume and CV example actually reflect the results you're using as leverage — vague bullets undercut a strong ask.

Update your resume with the results you'll cite