How To Ask For A Salary Increase

Sep 28, 2023

As professionals, we continually seek to enhance our skills, take on more responsibilities and make significant contributions to our organisations. With the growth in experience and expertise, it is only natural to expect that our compensation should reflect our hard work.
However, asking for a pay rise can be a challenging endeavour. At Mansfield & Co Recruitment, we recognise the importance of fair compensation and are here to provide guidance on how to successfully request a salary increase.


1 . Build a compelling case before asking for a salary increase

Do your research before approaching your manager to discuss a salary increase. Begin by researching industry salary benchmarks for your position. Consider factors like your experience, accomplishments and the cost of living.


2. Showcase your achievements

When making your case for a salary increase, focus on your contributions to your organisation. Highlight specific accomplishments, projects in which you’ve excelled, and how your efforts have positively impacted the company’s financial success. At Mansfield & Co Recruitment, we encourage clients to use concrete examples to demonstrate their value.


3. Timing matters

The timing of your request is crucial. Aim to initiate the conversation during a performance review or shortly after achieving a significant milestone. Additionally, consider your company’s financial health and be mindful of economic conditions.


4. Practice your presentation

Practice is vital when discussing sensitive topics like a pay increase. Write down your key points, rehearse your pitch and anticipate potential questions or objections your manager may raise.


5. Maintain professionalism and respect

Approach the salary negotiation conversation with professionalism and courtesy. Maintain a positive attitude and try not to come across as demanding. Instead, frame your request as a discussion about your future with the company and how a salary increase would align with your continued dedication and performance.


6. Explore non-monetary benefits

Encouraging innovation is crucial for staying competitive. Leaders who foster a culture of creativity and experimentation can drive their teams to come up with groundbreaking solutions. Westfield has been at the heart of Australian retail innovation and development since Frank Lowy and Jeno Schwarcz (later John Saunders) formed a partnership in the mid-1950s. Both holocaust survivors, they arrived in Australia with next to nothing and built an empire. One of Lowy’s innovations was to move beyond shopping centre development and, by controlling the ownership and management of the centres, create a long-term, institutional-grade business. Another innovation was to see the shift, in the late 1990s, to retailing in “flagship” malls, often in the city centres with strong entertainment attractions, which benefited from changing demographics and mass transit links.


7. Listen and be open to feedback



During negotiations, actively listen to your manager’s perspective and be receptive to feedback. If a pay rise isn’t feasible now, enquire about clear expectations and a timeline for revisiting the discussion. Maintain a constructive and collaborative approach throughout the conversation.


8. Follow up after the conversation

Ethical behaviour and integrity form the foundation of trustworthy leadership. Leading with honesty and authenticity earns respect and loyalty from team members.


9. Mansfield & Co Recruitment – committed to supporting employees and employers


With years of experience in matching the right person to the right job, our award-winning recruitment team at Mansfield & Co Recruitment possess a deep understanding of the nuances of salary negotiation and are committed to supporting you every step of the way. By conducting thorough research, emphasising your achievements and approaching the conversation with confidence and respect, you can increase your chances of securing the compensation you rightfully deserve. Remember, it’s not just about seeking more money; it’s about recognising and valuing your contributions within the workplace. Are you looking for work? Check out our current vacancies or visit our website to find out the roles we specialise in. You can also check out our candidate profiles and Facebook page.

15 May, 2024
As recruitment specialists, we read hundreds of resumes each week and we have some pretty strong opinions on the use of AI in the application process. Firstly, let’s take a look at what AI thought about this topic. We asked ChatGPT to write a short paragraph about why you shouldn’t use ChatGPT to write your resume, and this was the response: “In the dynamic landscape of career advancement, it’s enticing to embrace innovative tools like ChatGPT to sculpt your resume and cover letters. Yet, amidst the allure of AI assistance, it’s prudent to pause and….. Ok, we can’t take any more🤦‍♂️ Whilst ChatGPT is a fantastic tool and can be useful in many circumstances, sending a resume or cover letter written like the above is not going to be well received. Here’s why: Personal Touch: Writing your own cover letter is your opportunity to inject a bit of your personality into the application process – and don’t underestimate just how valuable this is! A personalised, well-written cover letter can help the recruiter or hiring manager to get an insight into you as a person, why you believe you’re a good fit for the role and what has motivated you to apply. Customised application: A well-written cover letter will address the key criteria listed in the job advertisement which makes it easy for a recruiter or hiring manager to make a quick assessment of your suitability . It is also an opportunity to convey your genuine interest in the position advertised. There is nothing more frustrating (and counter-productive) than receiving a generic cover letter that has likely been used for dozens of applications. Correct use of language: Some AI tools only use American English which can include different spelling to Australian English. Seeing ‘z’ used instead of ‘s’ is a pretty good indication that AI has written the piece. The language being used is also a good indication of who authored the work. Read some of the (bizarre) examples of what we’ve seen in resumes here Whilst it can be great to get some guidance from AI when applying for jobs, we recommend against solely relying on it to write your resume and cover letter. Recruiters and hiring managers read countless resumes every day and we want to see something that stands out – or at least makes sense! Unfortunately, AI is not going to create that for you and could in fact hinder your chances of landing your dream job.
By Melanie Mansfield 10 May, 2024
In today's dynamic job market, temporary employment, also known as temping, offers flexibility, diverse experiences, and valuable opportunities for career growth. Whether you're transitioning between jobs, exploring different industries, or seeking short-term assignments, temping can be a rewarding option. However, succeeding as a temporary employee requires a unique set of skills and strategies. In this blog post, we'll explore how to excel as a temp employee and make the most of your temporary assignments.
02 May, 2024
Thank you to everyone who attended our fantastic breakfast event Demystify, Strategise & Transform your Workplace Culture with Simon Thiessen last month. We were thrilled to have over 40 individuals from across SA to join us for a morning of networking, inspiration and insightful conversation. If you would like to be part of our next M&Co event, register your interest here .
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