Raise Preparation Plan

Run the upgrade.

1. 01

   List measurable accomplishments

   Document specific results from the past 6-12 months with numbers where possible (revenue generated, costs saved, efficiency gained, projects delivered).

   Accomplishment = action + measurable result + business impact

2. 02

   Identify expanded responsibilities

   Note any duties you've taken on beyond your original job description, especially work that would otherwise require hiring or a higher-level role.

3. 03

   Attach your market salary research

   Pull your range from market salary research so you can show your current pay against comparable roles.

4. 04

   Set a specific target number

   Choose a target raise amount or percentage based on your market range and accomplishments, not a round number picked arbitrarily.

   Target raise = market midpoint - current base (or a defined % increase justified by scope change)

5. 05

   Draft your talking points

   Write a 3-4 sentence summary connecting your accomplishments, expanded scope, and market data into a clear ask, and rehearse it out loud.

6. 06

   Choose your timing

   Schedule the conversation around a natural checkpoint — performance review, project completion, or budget planning cycle — rather than an arbitrary date.

7. 07

   Prepare for likely responses

   Plan responses to 'not in the budget right now,' 'let me check,' and partial-offer scenarios so you're not improvising in the moment.