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Prepare to ask for a pay rise or promotion
A clear, evidence-based case for a pay rise or promotion, plus a plan for the conversation and how to respond to common answers.
When to use it
A few weeks before your pay review
Step by step
Collect your evidence
Gather your wins, extra responsibilities taken on, positive feedback and any salary research for your role.
Build your case
Paste it all into your AI assistant with this prompt.
Prompt to copyHelp me prepare to ask my manager for [a pay rise to X / promotion to Y role]. My current role and pay: [details]. Evidence: [paste wins, feedback, extra responsibilities]. Salary research: [paste]. Create: 1) a one-page summary of my case with 3 strongest points, 2) a short opening I could say in the meeting, 3) likely responses (for example 'there's no budget', 'not this year', 'what else would you do?') with calm replies to each, and 4) a fallback ask if the answer is no, such as a review date, training or a clear path. Use only the evidence I've given.Book the meeting
Ask your manager for a dedicated meeting rather than raising it in passing. Put the date in your calendar with your summary attached.
Rehearse
Ask the AI to play your manager and practise the conversation a couple of times.
What you get
Case: 1) Took on rota planning for 2 sites since March. 2) Trained 4 new staff. 3) Similar roles locally advertised at £2,000 to £3,000 more. Opening: 'I'd like to talk about my pay, given how my role has grown this year.' If no budget: 'Could we agree a review in six months with clear targets?'
Tips
- Lead with what you've done for the team, not personal costs.
- Get any agreed next steps confirmed in a short email afterwards.