The document lists 10 potential reasons why someone may not have received a raise at their job. These include: poor timing of the request, lack of company resources to provide raises, lack of strong performance to warrant a raise, failing to properly lay the groundwork by promoting accomplishments, making the request about personal finances rather than value provided, skipping preparation for the discussion, being a difficult employee, employers fearing setting a precedent, salary already being at market rate, and simply not asking for a raise.

1. Why You May
Not Have
Gotten a Raise?
Top 10 Reasons

2. 1. Poor Timing.
§ While it's not a marriage proposal, asking for a raise is an important
question.
§ Timing is key! Did you request a raise in June, when the general
company policy is to make decisions at the end of the year?
§ Maybe you asked too early in your tenure, or made your request soon
after the company had a recall, poor quarterly report, or other bad
news.
§ That's not the only timing problem: while your manager's bad day
shouldn't affect your raise, a meeting scheduled on a stressful day
could be the reason your request was turned down.
§ Ask human resources or co-workers when raises are typically given out,
and time your meeting for a low-stress time of day and week.
Dr. Magdy Abdelsattar
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3. 2. Lack of Company Resources:
§ Sometimes, the reason you don't get a raise isn't related
to you at all.
§ It's quite possible that your company isn't flush with
money, and simply doesn't have room in the budget to
give you a raise.
§ How important is the raise to you? And does it seem as
though the company finances will turn around?
§ The answer to these questions will determine if you stay
put, or use this as a cue to begin a job search.
Dr. Magdy Abdelsattar
3

4. 3. Lack of Performance:
§ Are you exceeding expectations, or simply doing the work
outlined in your job description? At many jobs, in order to get
a raise, employees need to go above and beyond the basic
requirements.
§ If your work is competent, but not stellar, this may be why you
didn't get the raise.
§ Talk to your manger about what he/she'd like to see from you.
Consider how to transform from an ordinary employee to an
exceptional one.
§ Keep a list of your big accomplishments, and any praise you
receive, and highlight them the next time you request a raise.
Dr. Magdy Abdelsattar
4

5. 4. Failing to Lay Groundwork:
§ On a day-to-day basis at work, do you trumpet every
accomplishment, even the most banal?
§ Or, conversely, are you quiet about your triumphs? You should
offer evidence for why you're deserving of a raise in the
moment when you make the request, but also lay groundwork
in advance.
§ While it's good to be self-promoting, be cautious about
excessive self-promotion, or stealing the spotlight from
deserving co-workers, which can work against your request.
§ In one-on-one meetings with your manager, and over email,
highlight your accomplishments. Be careful not too overdo:
you want to be neither overly modest nor overly boastful.
Dr. Magdy Abdelsattar
5

6. 5. A Personal Request
§ For most companies, salary is an unemotional calculation,
based on the employee's qualifications, geographic
considerations, and competition.
§ If you asked for a raise citing factors in your personal life —
increased rent, family-related concerns, etc. — your manager
may feel sympathetic.
§ But that's doesn't mean you've presented a valid argument for
a higher salary. The same logic applies for requests based on a
co-worker's salary.
§ Frame your raise ask around the value you provide to the
company — rather than detailing your own expenses and
needs, point to ways you've saved money or added to the
company's revenue.
Dr. Magdy Abdelsattar
6

7. 6. Skipping the Prep Work:
§ Wearing unprofessional clothes, and giving a disjointed,
rambling, or off-the-cuff rationale for your raise does not
impress.
§ Even if your company doesn't have much of a dress code,
it's still important to look and act professionally in this
moment.
§ Plan talking points, and rehearse ahead of time. Dress to
impress: this is a good excuse to break out your interview
outfit.
Dr. Magdy Abdelsattar
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8. 7. You're a Difficult Employee:
§ Sounds harsh, but if you're a challenge to work with, a
downer in meetings, or a frequent complainer, you may be
a problem for your manager, making him or her unwilling
to make the case to superiors that you deserve a raise.
§ Evaluate your attitude. How do you present yourself in
meetings and everyday occasions around the office?
Consider if your complaints and critiques are
overshadowing your good work.
Dr. Magdy Abdelsattar
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9. 8. Employers Fear a Wave of Requests
§ Many companies can be fearful of giving out raises,
since granting one request could lead to others.
§ This puts you in a tough position.
§ You can mention that you'll be discrete about your
raise, and also make the point that your raise should be
evaluated on its own merits.
§ However, if this is the response you get, it may be a
sign that it's a good time to kick off a job search.
Dr. Magdy Abdelsattar
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10. 9. Your Salary Is Already Market-Standard:
§ If you didn't do research as to the typical salary
range for your position before requesting a raise,
your manager may deny the request, reasoning that
you're already getting the amount you deserve.
§ Do some salary research, at sites such as
Glassdoor.com, Payscale.com, or Salary.com.
Dr. Magdy Abdelsattar
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11. 10. You Didn't Ask!!!
§ While it's certainly possible that a raise will appear in
your paycheck before you request it, that's not often
going to be the case.
§ If you feel that you are deserving of a raise, ask for it.
Dr. Magdy Abdelsattar
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