Before the meeting

• List 3 results you delivered (revenue, cost saved, risk reduced, speed)
• Market check: similar roles in your city / remote band: $________
• Ask number: current $________ times 1.05–1.12 = target $________
• Book a 1:1 on purpose — do not ambush in a hallway

What to say (adapt, do not recite robotically)

• I want to talk about aligning my pay with the results I have been delivering.
• Here are three outcomes from the last two quarters: ___ / ___ / ___.
• Based on that and market ranges, I am asking for $________ (or __%).
• What would you need to see to make that work this cycle?

If they say not now

• Ask for a written timeline and criteria
• Request a mid-cycle review date: ________
• If budget is frozen: scope, title, or bonus alternatives
• Follow up by email same day with a thank-you + summary

After you get the raise

• Update budget and 401(k) percent the next payday
• Park half of the monthly increase into HYSA for 90 days
• Document the win for next year's review
• Next career step: /topics/career · Job Radar if the role is wrong