How to Ask for a Raise With Confidence: A Step-by-Step Prep Guide for Women

Written By Nicolette Dieffenbaugher

If you’ve been waiting for someone to tell you,

“You deserve to earn more,”
Consider this your moment.

Here’s the truth: raises aren’t always handed out.
But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve one.
If you’ve taken on more responsibility, led projects, trained teammates, or simply outgrown your role — it’s time to ask for more.

At VestNow, we believe income growth isn’t just about money.
It’s about power, self-trust, and alignment.

Let’s walk through how to prep your raise request with clarity, confidence, and no fluff.

💬 Step 1: Track Your Wins

Before you ask for anything, build your case.

Start a document (Google Doc, Notion page, or even a note in your phone) where you track:

  • Projects you’ve led or contributed significantly to

  • Revenue generated or time/money saved

  • Testimonials, feedback, or praise from clients or managers

  • New responsibilities you’ve taken on

You are not asking “just because.”
You are presenting proof that you’ve brought value — and that is your leverage.

💬 Step 2: Know Your Market Worth

Do your homework. Research what others in similar roles (and levels of responsibility) are earning in your industry and location.

Tools to try:

  • Glassdoor

  • Levels.fyi (for tech roles)

  • Payscale

  • Talking to trusted peers and mentors in your field

Remember: job titles don’t always tell the whole story.
Look at the actual scope of the role — not just the label.

If you find you’re being underpaid compared to your value and responsibilities, that’s real data you can bring to the conversation.

💬 Step 3: Practice the Ask

This is where most people get stuck — not because they’re unqualified, but because asking feels awkward.

Here’s the reframe:
You’re not begging. You’re not being difficult.
You’re aligning your compensation with your contribution.

Try saying it out loud:

“I’d love to have a conversation about aligning my compensation with the impact I’ve been making on the team.”

“Over the past few months, I’ve taken on additional responsibilities and consistently delivered strong results. I’d love to discuss what growth looks like in terms of both title and compensation.”

You don’t need to have every answer.
You just need to ask — clearly, calmly, and with intention.

💡 Bonus Tip: Timing Matters

If you can, request the conversation ahead of your company’s performance review cycle or budgeting period. This gives your manager time to advocate for you internally.

If it’s not raise season, no worries — you can still plant the seed now and follow up later.

🧬 Your VestNow Moment

Your labor is not a favor.
You are allowed to grow.
You are allowed to earn more.
You are allowed to say, with confidence:

“I’m proud of what I’ve contributed — and I’m ready for my next level.”

You don’t need permission to step into your power.
You just need a plan.

✨ Want more tools like this? We break down topics like income growth, career confidence, and negotiation inside our monthly VestNow newsletter.
Join our community of powerful women building lives (and paychecks) on their own terms.

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Nicolette Dieffenbaugher