What Women Should Say to Get Promoted at Work

The view of the workplace is shifting, and the fact that women are receiving less pay than their male counterparts is gaining attention. Sexism is definitely a role.

But the other reason is due to women not pursuing that raise or being afraid to lean in and demand it. If you need a raise, you should not hesitate to ask for one. Here are some examples of what to say when you want to be paid what you deserve:

We have all been there – that moment when a male colleague gets the credit for something that you did. It is infuriating, especially when he now earns at least 30 percent more than you do annually. But look. You need to keep your frustration and other emotions in check.

When you sit down to bring up salary, keep a poker face. Avoid talking about what is fair or right or what you need to survive. Make no comparisons. Request the raise based on what you have done and should receive compensation for.

If you have done a lot for your company in the time you have spent there, then you probably have accomplished a lot. Do not fear to come off as narcissistic. Think of talking about your position as you would discuss your resume or curriculum vitae.

Convey that you are holding your own, doing your work, and keeping up (or going beyond) company standards. If you acknowledge your value, others will too.

Timing is really important. So when you do something that deserves a reward, there is no better opportunity. Whenever you attract a new client, huge deal, or do something amazing, it is time to discuss a raise. Use this to level the playing field against your competitors.

Though it is never advised to compare yourself, you can say, “I believe I demonstrated the ability to work at a higher level of responsibility and am requesting a higher level of pay to go along with it.”

Remember, you still have many years left in the workforce. Think about how much you can still contribute. Work is not just about what you have already accomplished, after all. When you discuss your raise, be sure to note this fact.

If you have ideas, ask to be compensated for the contribution. For example, tell your manager, “In the future, I would like to invest more time in company projects. Hopefully, larger scale projects would mean a bigger paycheck as well.”

This also gives your superior time to think about the future they want for the company. It shows that you are forward thinking and looking to advance. From here, you can judge whether or not they see you as playing a major role later on too.

Be sure to have an exit plan before taking this step – as in, another job opportunity. If your manager does not see eye-to-eye, there is no reason to stay where you are trapped at a sub-par level.

You deserve a better position that understands what you bring to the table, so tell your superior that if better opportunities are waiting, you will be accepting the other offer.

You are entering a negotiating room with a lot on your mind. You have rehearsed what you want to say, but you are still putting yourself out on a limb. Keep your voice level, your tone strong, and do not falter when questions are asked.

If you deliver you statements with verve, you will portray yourself as more than just an employee – you will be showing initiative and ambition. That alone is worth the reward.

Asking for a raise should never be this difficult, but it is. Fortunately, you have the power to succeed. By simply bringing yourself to the table, you are one step closer to getting a raise. Now that you know what to say and how to behave, a better salary is in the bag. Good luck!