8 Things to Never Tell Your Boss When Asking for a Raise

Is your work anniversary approaching soon, and you’re hoping for a significant raise? You could hinder your chances without even knowing it.

While you may feel entitled to a raise, there are many factors that go into salary increases. The first thing your boss will look at is your performance, but they will also ask you your feelings, and what you think you should get. This is where things can get hairy and professionalism comes into play.

According to managers, here are the six things you should never say or ask for.

1. Your Personal Problems

While some companies promote a family environment at work, most are no-nonsense, come in and get your work done, and go home types of workplaces. That means your personal problems, financial or otherwise, have no bearing on getting a raise.

Life happens to everyone and it’s up to you to handle it the best way you know how. It’s really not your boss’ or your company’s concern and they aren’t in the business of just handing out money because you’re struggling. You need to prove your worth.

2. That You’re the Best Worker

Even if you are, this is not something you should bring up, especially not during negotiations for a raise. It comes across as bragging, a trait that employers often look down on. It could also signal you believe there’s no room for improvement, and there absolutely always is.

It’s okay to highlight your accomplishments. It’s not okay to act as though you’re the only one who can do the job, unless you are truly the only one who can do the job and do it the best.

3. That You’ll Quit if You Don’t Get One

Threats rarely succeed in the workplace and demanding a raise or you’ll quit is almost a surefire way to get a one-way trip to the unemployment line. Most people are replaceable in their roles and it’s often easier to hire someone else than give into an ultimatum.

After all, how does your employer know you won’t make more in the future?

4. That Other Employees Make More Than You

Discussing salary in the workplace among other employees is typically a no-go and something companies discourage in their policies. Therefore, it should never come up while you’re discussing your raise.

In fact, don’t compare yourself to anyone else during the negotiations, because your salary is based on your performance. Stick to your accomplishments and have the data to back it up.

5. You Want More Than the Average Salary Increase

Before you head into your boss’ office to discuss a raise, make sure you do your research into the field you’re in as well as the role you hold. Look up typical salaries and raises and don’t go into the meeting with unrealistic expectations.

Asking for more than these averages is likely to result in a denial—and your disappointment.

6. That You’ve Been With the Company a Long Time

Longevity isn’t necessarily the key to a raise. In fact, you could be at a company for many years, and still not get a significant raise.

It’s less about the time and more about the productivity and accomplishments. If you’re a problem-solver, someone who takes initiative, rather than someone who comes in and does the bare minimum before they clock out, that is more widely rewarded.