A career coach revealed six ways to secure a pay rise in 2025 — and recommends using ChatGPT to prepare for pushback.
Melissa Stone, 43, a HR professional with more than 20 years experience, is lifting the lid on tricks of the trade and shared how employees can follow six simple steps to get a pay increase.
She says workers should document a list of all their responsibilities and accomplishments to show how they have contributed to the company’s success.
Melissa also believes they should prepare for pushback from upper management and come up with a ready-made response if they are told “no” or asked why they deserve it.
Melissa, a HR director and career coach, from Ireland, said: “As a HR director who has revealed and approved thousands of salary increases over the years, I can confidently say that your know-how in securing a well-earned pay rise is everything.
“Remember as Tony Robbins says ‘you get what you tolerate in life.’
“And if you are going to tolerate less than you deserve, then that’s what you’ll get.
“Advocating for yourself isn’t just about money, its about fairness and recognition.
“Don’t allow yourself to be a pushover.”
Melissa’s number one top tip is “knowing your worth in the market.”
When going into a meeting about a pay rise, she suggests preparing a list of your strengths, skills, qualifications, and achievements.
Melissa said: “Look at job boards and talk to recruitment consultants to understand what other companies are offering for your experience and knowledge.
“The key here is to understand what you could be earning in any role you are capable of doing, and not just the role you are doing now.
“Your worth is not based on your current job title.”
Melissa also stresses it’s important to document your value at work by listing all your accomplishments.
“List all of your responsibilities and accomplishments, and in particular understand how your role has evolved in the last 12 months,” she said.
“Get absolutely clear on how you have contributed to the company’s success, and why you are valuable to your business.”
Companies often set their yearly budget well in advance so Melissa says you shouldn’t waste a moment and get in there fast.
She also warns to prepare for pushback and says not all companies will be willing to give staff a salary bump.
Melissa said: “Use tools like ChatGPT to anticipate the potential objections your manager might raise.
“Do this by simply going into ChatGPT and asking ‘I want a pay rise at work, why might my boss say no?’
“ChatGPT will immediately generate reasons as to why your boss may turn you down.
“Consider your responses to the excuses you might be faced with on the day.”
Melissa says employees should go into a pay rise meeting armed with all their preparation and knowledge in hand and should also understand how far they’re willing to compromise with their boss.
Melissa said: “Armed with all of your preparation and knowledge to hand, understand how far you are willing to compromise.
“If your employer continues to push back on a pay rise, look for non-monetary benefits such as flexible working hours, extra holiday days, or professional development opportunities.”
Melissa’s top tips to secure a pay rise:
- Know your worth
- Document your value at work
- Plan the timing
- Prepare for pushback
- Negotiate smartly
- Mindset matters
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