A Higher Perspective: Graydon’s Insights
Avoid This Common Mistake When Asking for a Raise
There’s a lot of bad advice out there about how to get a raise at work. If you’re serious about advancing your career without shooting yourself in the foot, this is a must-read.
One of the most damaging trends I’ve noticed lately is employees using job offers as leverage to demand raises from their current employers. Here’s how it typically plays out:
A candidate interviews for a job with another company.
They receive an offer.
They return to their current employer, armed with this “golden ticket,” and issue an ultimatum: match the offer, or I’m out.
At first glance, this might seem like a bold move, but let me break it down for you: it’s a terrible idea.
Why This Strategy Backfires
Even if your employer agrees to match the new offer, there’s a lot you’re risking by taking this approach.
1. You Burn Bridges at Your Current Company
When you present a competing offer as leverage, you’re signaling to your employer that your loyalty comes at a price. That’s not exactly a trust-builder.
Your boss might agree to match the offer now, but they’ll remember this moment later. If your company needs to make budget cuts or reduce staff, guess who’s first on the chopping block?
2. You Burn Bridges at the Other Company
Think about the other company that gave you the offer. They’ve invested time and resources interviewing you, only to find out you were never serious about joining them.
This leaves a bad taste in their mouth—and makes it much harder for you to revisit that opportunity later.
3. Your Reputation Takes a Hit
This move also risks damaging your professional reputation. Recruiters, managers, and colleagues talk. If word spreads that you’re someone who uses offers as a bargaining chip, it can close doors for future opportunities.
The Right Way to Ask for a Raise
If you’re looking for a pay increase, there’s a better way to approach it—one that doesn’t involve burning bridges or risking your reputation.
Step 1: Be Honest and Direct
Schedule a one-on-one with your manager to discuss your compensation. Be upfront about why you believe a raise is justified.
Step 2: Come Prepared
Do your homework. Show how your contributions have positively impacted the company and back it up with data. For example:
Have you taken on additional responsibilities?
Have you consistently met or exceeded goals?
How does your current pay compare to market rates for your role?
Step 3: Focus on Collaboration
Approach the conversation as a partnership. Your goal isn’t just to secure a raise—it’s to align your value with your compensation in a way that works for both you and the company.
The Long-Term Payoff
Taking the professional route to asking for a raise may not have the dramatic flair of “waving an offer,” but it builds trust and strengthens relationships with your employer. That trust can lead to better opportunities down the line—not just a one-time pay bump.
So the next time you think about using a job offer as leverage, pause and think about the long-term consequences. Your career is worth more than a risky power play. Instead, advocate for yourself the right way, and set yourself up for sustainable success.
