Episode 83: Make More Money at Work: How to Ask for a Raise or Negotiate a Higher Starting Salary at a New Job

In this episode of HRDQ-U in Review, host Sarah sits down with negotiation expert Laura Browne to talk about one of the toughest, and most important,career skills: asking for more money.

Laura shares the story of her first, unsuccessful attempt at requesting a raise—an experience that sparked her mission to help others confidently advocate for their worth. Since then, she’s authored Increase Your Income and A Salary Cinderella Story, guiding professionals (especially women) to approach salary conversations strategically and fearlessly.

Together, Sarah and Laura unpack the key principles behind effective salary negotiations, including how to research market rates, build a solid business case, and understand the timing of company raise cycles. Laura also offers practical advice for keeping the conversation professional, even when the answer is “not yet,” and explains how to turn that into a roadmap for future success.

Key Takeaways:

• Why you can’t assume good performance alone will earn you a raise
• How to prepare months in advance for salary discussions
• Tips for framing negotiation as collaboration, not confrontation
• Steps for researching pay ranges and company priorities
• What to do after a “no” to set up your next opportunity

Action Items:

• Listen to the webinar on hrdqu.com.
• Start sending weekly updates to your manager summarizing your accomplishments and results.
• Research salary data using salary.com and Indeed to understand your market value.
• Confirm your company’s priorities and performance expectations regularly with your manager.
• Begin preparing for raise discussions at least four months before formal review cycles.
• Use code HRDQU for 25% off Laura’s classes and coaching at careercoffeebreak.com.

🎧 Tune in to learn how to confidently ask for what you deserve—and get it.

Episode Sponsors:

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HRDQ: Providers of research-based, soft skills, training resources since 1977. Assessments, online learning, experiential hands-on games, customizable course content. Over 200 resources to improve performance, increase job satisfaction, and cultivate essential skills in your organization. Use code HRDQUPOD10 for 10% off your purchase today at hrdqstore.com.