Here's how you can secure a raise by showcasing your performance and contributions to the company.

Here's a concise approach: Secure a raise by quantifying your accomplishments and highlighting how they've positively impacted the company's bottom line. Showcasing your performance through tangible results and contributions demonstrates your value and strengthens your case for a salary increase.

Maintain detailed records of your accomplishments and project work, noting instances where you went above and beyond expectations. Quantify metrics like productivity increases, cost savings, revenue generated, etc. Having concrete examples demonstrates your valuable impact.

Including layoff-related projects or freelance work in your resume can showcase your resilience and adaptability. Start by creating a separate section for these experiences, labeling it "Freelance Projects" or "Consulting Work." Describe each project or role with clear titles and dates, emphasizing the skills you utilized and the results you achieved. Highlight any new skills you developed, clients you worked with, or significant outcomes of your projects. This approach not only fills employment gaps but also demonstrates your proactive attitude and ability to stay productive during challenging times.

When making your case for a raise, emphasize how your efforts directly benefited the company's goals, operations, and bottom line. Don't just list duties - clearly articulate the positive outcomes and value you delivered.

Proactively seek opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge through training, certifications, or taking on new challenges. Being able to showcase continuous professional growth increases your market value.

Choose an appropriate time, like around annual reviews or after a major achievement, to initiate the salary conversation. Avoid asking during widespread budget cuts or organizational instability.

Speak confidently and clearly about your achievements. Use your documentation to back up your claims. Emphasize the value you bring to the company rather than personal needs or comparisons to colleagues.

Practice presenting your case clearly and succinctly. Quantify accomplishments, cite positive feedback, benchmark your pay rate, and be ready to negotiate respectfully.

Don't just point out problems - come prepared with ideas to take on more responsibilities, special projects, or process improvements to justify higher compensation.

Research typical pay ranges and be prepared to discuss potential non-salary benefits like more paid time off, flexible hours, training funds, or other perks if a raise isn't possible.