Dealing with “NO” to a payrise or promotion
So, you’ve finally gathered the courage to ask for that long-deserved promotion and pay raise. You walk into your manager’s office (or hop on that video call), heart racing, and—oh no—you get a resounding “NO.” 😬 What now?
Let’s dive into something that makes many of us get nervous: negotiating salary and promotions. It can feel awkward, intimidating, and even downright scary. But it doesn’t have to be. We all work to earn a better salary and improve our lives, right? Let’s normalize these conversations and get smart about it.
After years of managing teams and navigating my own career, I’ve learned a few things about how to approach these sensitive conversations effectively. Here’s how you can ask for a promotion and a pay raise the right way, and what to do if you don’t get the answer you were hoping for.
1. Timing is Everything
Timing can make or break your request. Imagine this: you walk into your boss’s office, catch them off guard, and immediately dive into the big conversation. Not the best strategy, right? Instead, be proactive and clear about your goals. Give your manager a heads-up, maybe something like, “I’d love to schedule some time to discuss my career growth and contributions.”
This shows respect for their time and gives them a chance to prepare, so when you do have the conversation, it’s focused and productive.
2. Don’t Fear the No
Here’s a mindset shift: NO stands for “New Opportunity.” Seriously, a “no” isn’t the end of the road. It’s a chance to understand what you need to do to turn that “no” into a “yes” next time. When you hear a “no,” instead of walking away defeated, take it as feedback. Ask for clarity on what you can improve.
A “no” today could mean a “yes” tomorrow if you play your cards right. Ask your manager for feedback, and this can open the door to a constructive conversation about your performance and growth areas.
3. Craft a Positive Plan
Focus on the positive and map out a plan to achieve that promotion or pay raise. Approach the conversation like a project manager: what are the deliverables? What’s the timeline? If you can show your manager that you’ve thought this through and are serious about hitting your targets, you’re already halfway there.
For instance, you might say, “I understand this isn’t the right time for a raise, but I’d like to discuss a plan to get there. What specific goals should I focus on?” e.g. For your manager highlights the need for leadership experience, you could propose leading a project or mentoring a junior colleague.
4. Ask the Right Questions
This is where you really stand out. After hearing “no,” most people might mumble a “thanks anyway” and shuffle out of the room. But not you. You’re going to ask the right questions to show that you’re serious about your growth. Here are a few to keep in your back pocket:
- What do I need to do to get a salary increase? This shows you’re not just looking for more money; you’re looking to earn it.
- What would you like to see happening? This question gets to the heart of what your manager values. Listen carefully.
- Can you give me an example of an accomplishment that would warrant a merit increase? Real-world examples are golden. They give you a clear picture of what success looks like.
- When is a good time to have this conversation again? Timing matters. This helps you plan your next steps strategically.
- What percentage of a salary increase can I expect if I meet the criteria? It’s always good to know what’s on the table so you can gauge whether the effort aligns with the reward.
These questions do more than just keep the conversation going—they show your manager that you’re serious about your growth and are willing to put in the work.
Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Negotiating a promotion or pay raise is never a one-time thing; it’s a process. And sometimes, that process involves hearing “no.” But don’t let that stop you. By finding the right timing, embracing the “no” as a new opportunity, crafting a positive plan, and asking the right questions, you set yourself up for success.
Remember, your career growth is a journey. Each step, whether it’s a “yes” or a “no,” brings you closer to where you want to be.
