How to ask for a raise during a crisis

If you found a job during the pandemic, there is a good chance that you will not get a raise anytime soon. You probably feel scared to ask for one. You may even have had your salary reduced, with people telling you to be grateful that you still have a job in the midst of a crisis.

Although we are still in uncertain times and it is unclear when we will be able to overcome the crisis, career consultant Marian Adoradio shares some tips with Business Insider on how to ask for a raise at work.

Arm yourself with facts

It's hard to know how to ask for a raise until you do your research. You need to know how your company is doing. Is it meeting its financial goals? What is the current market situation? It's also important to get informal information, such as whether anyone in the organization has received a raise — it will be helpful if you can find this out discreetly.

Finally, it's important to know "where you stand in the eyes of your manager and the management team," Adoradio said.

Choose the right time

As you gather information about the company's performance, you may realize that it's not the best time to ask for a raise. Asking for a raise while the company is in the process of downsizing, for example, may send a signal that you don't "know how to do business," said Leslie G. Griffin, a human resources and career consultant in Missouri.

Craft your request carefully

According to Marian Adoradio, you should present your request in two parts. On the one hand, you need to show your knowledge of the company's situation, and on the other, your contributions.

Have a backup plan

Asking for a promotion may not be an option right now, but you can take advantage of this opportunity at a later stage. Ask for feedback on your work so you know what you need to improve. It's a good idea to ask your manager about the company's goals that need to be met.

Translated with DeepL.