How to Ask for More Pay

If you're an experienced worker looking to boost your income, negotiating a pay rise can be a smart move. Here are six practical steps to help you approach the conversation.

With the cost of living continuing to climb, many mature professionals are feeling the squeeze - whether it's covering family expenses, helping children through university, or securing retirement plans. If you're an experienced worker looking to boost your income, negotiating a pay rise can be a smart move. Here are six practical steps to help you approach the conversation with clarity and confidence.

1. Time Your Request Carefully

Timing can be just as important as the conversation itself. Consider approaching the topic when your organisation is in a strong position - for example, after securing new business, launching a successful product, or expanding the team. These moments often coincide with budget flexibility.

Annual reviews or the start of a new financial year are also logical points to raise the issue. And if you’ve recently wrapped up a major project or delivered strong results, that's the perfect springboard to demonstrate your value.

2. Know Your Market Worth

Your experience is valuable - but it's still essential to back up your salary request with current data. Look at similar roles in your industry and location using recruitment websites or salary comparison tools.

Make note of the going rates for professionals with comparable experience, and be sure to aim slightly above your minimum to allow room for negotiation. It’s not about asking for more for the sake of it - it’s about asking for what reflects your contribution and expertise.

3. Book a Dedicated Meeting

Avoid raising salary expectations casually or in passing. Instead, schedule a one-to-one meeting specifically to talk about your role, responsibilities, and compensation. Give your manager time to prepare by sending a brief agenda in advance.

If you already have a performance review on the calendar, that’s a great opportunity to fold the salary conversation in. Make sure you choose a time when your manager isn’t overwhelmed or preoccupied so they can give your request the attention it deserves.

4. Be Prepared With a Clear Proposal

Preparation is key, especially if you’ve been with your company a long time and haven’t negotiated salary in years. Write out your main points in advance and rehearse your message.

Start by clearly stating your goals, followed by the value you bring to the business. Highlight key achievements, added responsibilities, or long-term loyalty - and where possible, support your case with data or results. Speak with confidence and clarity, and invite your manager to respond and ask questions.

5. Present Yourself With Professionalism and Confidence

Even if you know your manager well, showing up professionally matters. Dress appropriately for the meeting, taking your company’s culture into account - you want to come across as credible without feeling out of place.

Body language also plays a part. Maintain eye contact, sit with good posture, and keep your tone respectful but assured. This shows you’re serious, composed, and open to dialogue - not just making demands.

6. Follow Up and Stay Open to Feedback

Regardless of the outcome, thank your manager for their time - both in the meeting and with a follow-up email. Use the email to summarise the discussion, restate your case, and express your continued commitment to the organisation.

If a raise isn’t possible at this time, don’t leave the conversation there. Ask for feedback and, if relevant, what steps you can take to work toward a future increase - whether that’s additional responsibilities, training, or measurable goals.

As an older jobseeker or seasoned employee, you bring a depth of experience and reliability that’s often hard to replace. Don’t undervalue that. Whether you’re supporting a family, planning for retirement, or simply looking to be fairly compensated, these conversations are not only valid - they’re essential.