Guide
How to ask for a raise in English
Eloquent Coaching Team · 28 August 2026
When asking for a raise in English, try to state your target number first, clearly name the work that backs it up, and then pause. Avoid opening with a long preamble or excessive gratitude. Book the meeting specifically to discuss compensation. Once you make the ask and cite two clear results, give them space to reply. If they hesitate, gently ask for a timeline.
How do you open the raise meeting?
Make sure you book the session specifically as a compensation discussion rather than hiding it under a vague 'career chat.' In the very first minute, calmly state your reason for the meeting and the exact figure you have in mind.
- “I asked for this time to talk about my compensation.”
- “I am asking for 92,000, effective this cycle.”
After that, simply stop talking. The initial silence is a natural part of making the request. Filling the space with apologies or your life story often dilutes the impact of the number you just shared.
What evidence do you say out loud?
Focus on two strong results rather than listing out your entire job description. For each result, briefly outline the situation before you intervened and the positive outcome you achieved.
- “I cut onboarding from six weeks to three.”
- “That change is now the default for every new hire.”
If a specific result requires a colleague's confirmation, feel free to mention their name. Try to avoid vague statements like 'the team did well,' as managers might not automatically credit that success to your individual effort.
What do you do after you state the number?
Give it a moment. If they ask how you arrived at that figure, share your primary source, such as a posted range, peer data, or the latest compensation grid. A single, solid data point is usually enough.
If the conversation drifts, smoothly bring it back to the point. You might say, 'I still need an answer on the 92,000.' Try not to let the discussion turn into a routine status update.
How do you close if they stall?
Gently ask for a specific date and clarify who owns the next step. A question like, 'Who decides, and when will I hear back?' works well. It helps to write the timeline down right there in the room.
Eloquent offers a great way to rehearse that opening line out loud. You can then review the transcript to see if your core request got buried in unnecessary detail.
Frequently asked questions
Should I send the number in email first?
It's best to state the meeting's purpose in writing, but save the actual figure for the conversation unless they specifically ask for it beforehand. Spoken requests tend to carry more weight and naturally invite a direct answer.
Is it rude to start with the number?
Not at all. Since you booked the meeting to discuss pay, the number is the main event. A long, winding introduction often makes your request feel like a mere afterthought.
What if they say they need to think about it?
It is completely fine to accept that they need time. Just be sure to nail down a date. Say something like, 'Let’s put 15 minutes on the calendar for Thursday.' You want to leave with a scheduled follow-up, not just a vague promise.