Unit 19 :
Ask for a Raise

Advanced

Vocabulary

Repeat these sentences with your teacher first.

1. progress (n.) 
movement to an improved or more developed state, or to a forward position

2. responsibility (n.)  
something that it is your job or duty to deal with

3. average (n.)  
the result you get by adding two or more amounts together and dividing the total by the number of amounts

4. appropriate (adj.)  
suitable or right for a particular situation or occasion

5. adjustment (n.)  
a small change

6. significant (adj.)  
important or noticeable

7. achievements (n.)  
something very good and difficult that you have succeeded in doing

Dialogue

Read the dialogue aloud with your teacher.

Mark

Abigail

Hi, are you free for a quick chat?

Sure, come in, come in. Sit down. What can I do for you?

Okay. Well, it’s a bit difficult, but … I really feel that it’s about time that I had a pay rise.

Okay and why do you feel like that?

Well, I have been here now for three years and in that time I have made good progress. I really feel that I’ve grown in the job and I’ve taken on a lot more responsibility. I just think it’s time that it was recognized and that my efforts were rewarded.

Right. So you feel that you’re on a low salary for your current position and current responsibilities, do you?

Yeah, I do believe that what I’ve contributed to the department over recent months means that I should be paid more.

Okay, well, what kind of rise would you be looking for?

Well, you know, I think that 3% on top of the usual annual rise with inflation isn’t too much to ask.

Three per cent… Hmm. Right, well, as you know, I can’t just give you a pay rise immediately, just like that. I’ll have to discuss it with the other managers here. I’ll make sure we discuss your request then.

Okay, fine. Should I put this request in writing as well? So we all have a record of this discussion?

Yes, that’d be a good idea. Email me and also copy it to human resources.

Article

Read the article with your teacher.

How to Ask for a Raise?

Here’s an example script for asking for a raise:

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. In my current role, I’m excited to keep working towards key company goals and grow my personal responsibilities. As a result, I’d like to discuss my salary.

Based on the research I’ve done, which includes looking at averages for my job title in this metro area and considers my tenure here, my years of experience and skill set, a salary increase of 5% is appropriate.

In the time since my last salary adjustment, I’ve worked on several initiatives that have added significant value to the company. For instance, in the last few months, I [____________________]. These achievements have made me ready for a raise.

Source: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/pay-salary/guide-how-to-ask-for-a-raise and http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/business/talkingbusiness/unit4negotiations/3rise.shtml & BBC Learning english

Discussion：

Answer the following questions to your teacher.

1. If you’re the person asking for a raise, what will you say? Try to fill the blank : [ insert example your most impressive accomplishment? ]

2. When were you most satisfied in your job? 

Let’s practice

Choose the correct answer.

1. I really feel that I’ve _______ the job.

A. up to

B. grown in

C. take off

D. difficult

2. A : Are you free for a quick chat?

B : _____________.

A. That’d be a good plan.  

B. Sure, What can I do for you?

C. What are you looking for?

D. Isn’t too much to ask.

3. I’m __a.__ keep working ___b.____ ____ company goals and grow my personal ________.

 

excited to / responsibilities / towards / of / key / for