Free guide
Raise meeting script
Updated November 13, 2026. What to say, and how to answer the most common replies.
A raise meeting is short. Lead with results, say one number, then stop talking. Here is the script, with what to say for each common reply.
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Opening (about 30 seconds)
“Thanks for meeting, [manager]. I'd like to talk about my compensation. Over the past year I've [biggest result], and I've taken on [added responsibility].”
The ask
“Based on that, and on market pay for my role, I'm asking to move my base salary to [amount].” Say it once. Then pause and wait.
If they say…
“I need to talk to HR.” “That makes sense. What will HR need from me, and when do you think we'll have an answer?” Get a date; ‘soon’ isn't a date.
“There's no budget right now.” “Thanks for being honest. If the budget is tight now, can we agree on what I'd need to show, and set a date to revisit, ideally within three months?”
“That's a lot.” “I understand it's a meaningful step. It reflects [another result] and the added work on [responsibility]. What part of the gap feels hard to bridge?”
“We could do part of it.” “Thank you, I appreciate that. Could we do part now and schedule the rest at a set review date, in writing?”
“You're not quite there yet.” “I appreciate the feedback. What specifically would you need to see from me, and by when, to make this happen?”
“Yes.” “Thank you, I really appreciate it. When will it take effect, and could you confirm it in writing?”
After the meeting
Send a short recap the same day with what you asked for, the next step and any date they gave. See the raise follow-up email template.
The Raise Kit fills this script in with your results and number and walks you through the meeting in Call Mode, plus a meeting request, a one-page case, a same-day recap, a reply for ‘not right now’ and a thank-you after a yes. One-time $29, 14-day refund.
Related free tools
- How to ask for a raise
- How to ask for a raise meeting
- Raise justification one-page template
- How to respond when your raise is denied
- Raise calculator
What do I say in a raise meeting?
Open with one or two concrete results and any added responsibility, then state one specific salary, pause, and wait for their answer.
What if my manager says there's no budget?
Thank them, ask what you would need to show, and agree on a date to revisit, ideally within three months. A bonus or title change can be a step, in writing.
What if they say I'm not quite there yet?
Ask what specifically they would need to see and by when. Write down exactly what they say and send a recap the same day.
Is this legal or HR advice?
No. It is practical communication guidance.
Guidance only, not legal, financial, or tax advice. Results vary. This is a communication aid, not a guarantee of any outcome.