---
name: ask-for-a-raise
description: "Build and deliver a raise request that actually works — the evidence, the number, the timing, and the exact words — instead of hoping it gets noticed. Use when asked how do I ask for a raise, I deserve more money, prepare me to ask for a raise, or negotiate a pay increase at my job. Produces a value case built on your actual contributions and market rate, a specific target number with justification, the right timing and person, a script for the conversation, and responses to the likely pushbacks — turning 'I want more' into a business case your manager can say yes to."
---

# Ask for a Raise

Raises rarely come from working hard and waiting to be noticed — they come from making a clear case at the right time to the right person. Most people either never ask or ask badly ("I've been here a while and could use more money"). This builds the version that works: evidence of your value, a specific justified number, good timing, the words to say, and answers to the pushback. It's a business case, not a plea.

## What This Skill Produces

- **Your value case** — your actual contributions, results, and added responsibilities, framed as value delivered (not effort spent)
- **A target number** — a specific ask backed by your market rate and contribution, not a vague "a raise"
- **Timing & audience** — when to ask (after a win, at review cycles, not during bad times) and who actually decides
- **The conversation script** — how to open, state the ask, and hold, in words you'd actually say
- **Pushback responses** — answers to "there's no budget," "not right now," "the market's tough," and how to get a concrete path if it's a no

## Required Inputs

Ask for these if not provided:
- **Your contributions** — what you've delivered, especially results and expanded scope since your last raise
- **Current pay & market rate** — what you earn and what the role pays (benchmark it if unknown)
- **The context** — company/team health, review cycles, your relationship with your manager
- **What you want** — a number, and your walk-away/backup if it's no

## Framework: Build The Case, Time It, Ask Clearly

1. **Frame value, not effort.** Managers pay for impact, not hours — lead with results, revenue/savings, and expanded responsibilities, quantified where possible.
2. **Anchor to a real number.** Combine your contribution with market rate into a specific ask; a vague request gets a vague answer.
3. **Time it well.** Ask after a clear win or at a review cycle, when budget and goodwill exist — not during layoffs or a bad quarter. And ask the person who actually decides.
4. **Say it plainly and hold.** Open with the value, state the number, then stop talking — let them respond. Confidence and a specific ask beat apology and hedging.
5. **Handle the no.** If it's not now, get a concrete path: what specifically would earn the raise, and by when — a vague "maybe later" is a soft no to pin down.

## Output Format

### Raise request: current [pay] → target [ask] · role [x]

**Your value case:** [contributions/results/added scope — as value delivered, quantified].
**The number:** [specific ask] — justified by [contribution + market rate].
**Timing & who:** [when to ask + the actual decision-maker].
**The script**
> [Open with value] · [state the number] · [then stop and listen].
**If they push back:** "no budget" → [response] · "not now" → [get a concrete path: what + by when].

## Quality Checks
- [ ] The case is framed as value/impact, not effort or need
- [ ] The ask is a specific number backed by contribution + market rate
- [ ] Timing and the right decision-maker are addressed
- [ ] A clear, confident script is provided
- [ ] Responses to the common pushbacks are included
- [ ] A "get a concrete path" plan exists for a no

## Anti-Patterns
- **Asking based on need or tenure** ("I've been here 3 years") instead of value.
- **A vague ask** with no number.
- **Bad timing** (during layoffs, to the wrong person).
- **Apologizing** or over-hedging the ask.
- **Accepting a vague "maybe later"** with no path.

## Example Trigger Phrases
- "How do I ask for a raise? I think I deserve more."
- "Prepare me to negotiate a pay increase."
- "Help me build a case for a raise and what to say."
- "I want to ask for more money — what number and when?"
- "My manager said 'no budget' last time. How do I approach it now?"