Want a pay rise? There’s one crucial step you can’t skip

You work hard, meet deadlines and contribute to your team, assuming your efforts will eventually be noticed. You put in extra hours, take on new responsibilities, and wait for the recognition you deserve in the form of a promotion or pay rise.

But here’s the truth: hard work alone isn’t enough.

While it may seem like an administrative chore, tracking your accomplishments may be key to landing higher pay.Credit: Les Hewitt

Most of us assume our boss is keeping tabs on all the hard work we do. We think that if we just put our heads down, do a great job and hit our targets, someone will eventually reward us for it. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.

The reality is that your manager is busy, and even the most diligent workers can slip under the radar. If you’re relying on your boss to remember every achievement you’ve made over the past year, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment.

That’s why, if you want to be recognised, you have to advocate for yourself. And the best way to do that? Keep a running record of your contributions.

It may seem like an administrative chore, but keeping track of your accomplishments can be the key to career advancement. Whether you’re aiming for a raise, preparing for a performance review, or positioning yourself for a new opportunity, a detailed record of your contributions gives you an undeniable advantage.

A clear case for promotions and pay rises

When employees step into salary negotiations or annual reviews, they often struggle to articulate why they deserve more pay. Without concrete evidence, your arguments can fall flat.

Consider two scenarios. In the first, an employee makes their case for a raise by stating, “I’ve been working really hard this year, and I believe I deserve a salary adjustment.”

In the second, the employee presents a clear, data-backed argument: “Over the past six months, I led three major projects that resulted in a 20 per cent increase in revenue, introduced a new workflow that cut turnaround times by 30 per cent, and mentored two junior colleagues, improving team efficiency.”

Beyond its practical benefits, documenting achievements also serves as a powerful confidence booster.

Which argument is more persuasive?

When achievements are recorded and quantified, they carry more weight. Employers base promotions and salary increases on value and impact. By keeping a detailed log of your contributions, you strengthen your ability to negotiate successfully.

Being prepared for unexpected opportunities

Often, career advancement doesn’t come only from annual reviews or planned meetings – it happens in moments when opportunities arise unexpectedly.

A surprise conversation with senior leadership, a new role within the company, or an external job offer can be turning points. Having a well-documented history of your successes ensures you can confidently step forward when such moments appear.

Instead of scrambling to think of past achievements, you can immediately present a compelling case for why you should be considered for the role or pay rise.

Boosting confidence and overcoming impostor syndrome

Beyond its practical benefits, documenting achievements serves as a powerful confidence booster. Many professionals experience impostor syndrome – the feeling that your success is undeserved or you haven’t truly accomplished much.

However, when achievements are recorded over time, they provide a tangible reminder of progress. Small wins accumulate into significant milestones, providing you with the motivation to pursue bigger opportunities.

How to do it

Keeping a record of professional accomplishments doesn’t need to be time-consuming. A few simple methods can make the process seamless:

• Maintain a digital accomplishments tracker: A spreadsheet or simple Word doc can serve as a dedicated space to track completed projects, positive feedback received, and measurable results/outcomes.
• Create a “wins” folder: Emails from colleagues or clients commending your efforts, successful project reports, and performance metrics can all be saved for reference.
• Use calendar reminders: A recurring reminder (weekly or monthly) can ensure that updates are logged consistently.
• Focus on measurable results: Instead of vague statements such as “contributed to a project”, aim for specific, quantifiable details.

By proactively documenting your achievements, you put yourself in a position of strength. You can confidently ask for what you’re worth, seize opportunities when they arise, and remind yourself of just how capable you are.

Recognition doesn’t happen by chance, it happens by design. And it starts with keeping track of the value you bring to the table.

Téa Angelos is an entrepreneur, author, speaker and founder of Smart Women Society.

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