I really enjoy working here, especially all the challenges involved in …Before asking for that promotion or raise, make sure you really deserve one. Or, more to the point, make sure you can prove you deserve it. How long have you been with the company? What tasks are you able to fulfill that make you more valuable than when you were first hired? What level are other employees with your skills, longevity, and background? Once you have gathered the evidence, then approach the boss. Here are some phrases that will help.
I really enjoy working here, especially all the challenges involved in …
I really enjoy working with customers …
As you already know, I really appreciate all the opportunities I’ve had working here.
Working here has been a wonderful experience, especially …
Since I’ve been here, I’ve had a range of experiences that have helped me grow professionally, such as …
For the past five years that I’ve been here, …
My experience has ranged from …
I have put in some long weeks—often 50 or 55 hours.
I have worked with clients in every area.
During this time, I have received a master’s degree.
Remember to keep it professional—not personal:
Personal: My husband and I want to buy a new house and need additional income.
Professional: I feel I am able to contribute more as a …
Personal: I really feel like I deserve more money than I’m getting.
Professional: Given my new responsibilities, I feel that I provide greater value to the company.
Personal: Everyone tells me that I should get more money for all the work I do.
Professional: Given the amount of extra time I put in, …
By "role" you mean your position. Be sure to elaborate on extra responsibilities or areas of expertise that may enhance your value to your company:
My role has become increasingly important as we …
As an account manager, my role now includes overseeing …
Although I am responsible for … my role also entails …
I was originally hired to do … Now my role also requires that I …
According to my job description, I should … But now I also oversee …
I am fluent in three languages, which is helpful when international customers come in.
I am also certified in …
I have had training in project management, which has helped me …
My training as an engineer gives me a firm grasp of …
As you know, I have a quick learning curve. For example, I was able to learn the …, which helped us …
My 10 years living abroad has given me experience in establishing relationships with people in foreign cultures, so I can …
Quick tip: As the old saying goes, "Timing is everything." So don’t ask your boss for a raise just after a catastrophe has hit your unit—even if you scheduled the appointment well in advance.
Given my experience, I can help the sales department reach new markets.
I know most of our top clients quite well. This will enable us to …
If I were to work in that position, I could devote more time to …
As a …, I could help the company reach the goals of … This is how: …
As part of the … team, I could fill in a missing component of our leadership. This will help us reach several key goals, including …
I spent three years in that position in my former job. I could bring that experience and expertise …
Can you tell me what I need to do to get that promotion?
I am really interested in moving ahead here. What can you recommend that I do?
What do most people accomplish before they get a raise?
Can you think of ways I can improve my performance?
Can you recommend any courses or additional training that would make me right for the job?
Quick tip: Don’t threaten to resign or look elsewhere … unless you mean it. And before you resign, make sure jobs are available first!