How to Present a Strong Case for a Pay Rise

If you’re considering asking for a pay rise, the most important thing to understand is this: it is not just about wanting more money. It is about being able to present a clear, commercial argument that shows why you’re worth it.

Many people wait too long, prepare too little, or walk into these conversations without the evidence they need. If you’ve ever thought “Surely they know how hard I work”, you may be relying too heavily on assumption.

The reality? These conversations have become more formal. Even long-serving employees are often asked to justify their request for a salary review in the same way an external candidate would. That means you need to bring more than just loyalty to the table.

Know Your Worth

Before you even think about making your case, take the time to understand what your current market value is. In the past, this kind of information was hard to come by. Now, there are salary benchmarks, market data, and peer conversations available at your fingertips.

Your aim is to understand both your internal and external value. Internally, are you seen as someone who delivers strong results? Externally, could you secure more elsewhere? When you know where you stand, your confidence grows — and so does your leverage.

Gather Your Evidence

This is where many people fall short. They assume their track record speaks for itself. But without documented evidence, you’re relying on memory, and possibly on goodwill.

A strong approach is to build a career autobiography. This is simply a record of your achievements, broken down by skill or competency. If you have managed projects, led teams, or delivered outcomes, record them. This creates a structured body of evidence to draw from.

When the time comes to put together a CV, a supporting statement, or even just to prepare for a meeting with your line manager, this document gives you everything you need to make your argument more robust.

Use the STAR Technique

To present your evidence clearly and concisely, use the STAR format:

• Situation – What was going on?

• Task – What was your role?

• Action – What did you do?

• Result – What happened as a result?

These mini case studies can form the core of your written or verbal pitch. Make sure the outcomes are clear and, where possible, commercially relevant. For example, increasing revenue, improving efficiency, or reducing costs all translate into value.

One example in the transcript showed an individual who increased revenue by three million within six months. If they are only asking for a small percentage of that in return, it becomes a far easier case to justify.

Pick the Right Time

You also need to consider timing. It is usually unwise to request a pay increase if your company has just had a bad financial quarter, cut staff, or implemented a hiring freeze. Even if your request is valid, it may fall on deaf ears.

Good times to raise the topic include after a successful appraisal, the completion of a major project, or at the start of a financial year when growth is on the agenda.

And if the answer is no? That’s okay. Use the opportunity to ask, “What needs to happen for this to be a possibility in future?” This shows maturity, keeps the door open, and may provide the framework you need for your next move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the best time to ask for a pay rise?
A: Ideally after an appraisal, successful project delivery, or when your company is in a strong financial position.

Q: What should I include in my case for a salary increase?
A: Evidence of achievements, ideally using the STAR format. Focus on outcomes with commercial value such as revenue growth or cost savings.

Q: Is it better to ask in writing or in person?
A: That depends on the culture of your organisation, but either way, having your evidence written down is essential.

Q: What if I don’t get the pay rise I ask for?
A: Stay calm and ask what would need to happen for your request to be reconsidered in future. This can guide your next steps.

Q: Do I need a new CV for an internal pay rise?
A: Possibly. Many companies treat internal applications formally. A good CV showcasing career highlights will help support your case.