Hiredly’s VP of People & Culture, Joselyn Lau was invited to CITYPlus FM’s podcast, hosted by Crystal and Jessie to talk about a career milestone many people fear—asking for a raise. With more than a decade of experience in HR and recruitment, Joselyn offers practical strategies to help employees plan and execute this conversation confidently.Getting a raise isn’t about chance—it’s about strategy. By preparing your achievements, choosing the right moment, and presenting your case professionally, you improve your chances of getting a positive response. 1. Don’t Blindside Your BossJoselyn stresses the importance of giving your manager a heads-up. Avoid sending a sudden email or casual message to request a raise. Instead, ask for a one-on-one session and mention that you’d like to discuss your performance and salary. This gives both parties time to prepare for a more meaningful conversation.📖 Related Read: What to Do Before Asking for a Promotion2. Understand the Difference Between Salary and BenefitsYour salary is based on personal factors like role, experience, and performance. In contrast, company benefits such as annual leave and health coverage are offered uniformly to all employees. Joselyn also advises against openly discussing salary among colleagues to avoid internal conflicts.📖 Related Read: Guide to Malaysian Employment Law3. When Is It the Right Time to Ask for a Raise?Joselyn recommends making a case for a raise if:You haven’t received an increment in 2–3 yearsYour job responsibilities have significantly increasedYou believe you’re underpaid based on market benchmarksShe cautions that simply taking on more work doesn't always justify a raise—it must be value-adding or role-expanding.📖 Related Read: Understanding Salary Negotiations in Malaysia4. Prepare Your Case with DataIf you’re planning to ask for a raise, be ready to:Show 6–12 months of strong, consistent performancePresent a list of achievements and impact metricsPropose a clear and realistic salary range based on your researchAvoid vague requests or making light of the situation—clarity and professionalism matter.📖 Related Read: How to Answer Salary ExpectationsReady for your next big career step? Start by exploring new opportunities on Hiredly, take our Work Personality Test to find roles that align with your strengths, and join our Young Talent Community to grow with like-minded professionals. For more real talk from the workplace, catch the full podcast episode on CITYPlus.