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What to do if you don’t get the salary increment you want

Simone Wu — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 01:00:00 +0000

What to do if you don’t get the salary increment you want Simone Wu

Asking for a pay rise is nerve-wracking for most professionals – and hearing “no” can feel like a personal blow. However, a rejected rise request isn’t always a reflection of your performance. Often, the decision may be driven by broader business realities such as budget constraints, economic conditions, or company-wide freezes.

The good news? A “no” doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation. If you respond wisely, it can be the beginning of a strategic career move.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

Assess your expectations and performance before taking next steps
Build a strong, data-backed case for your next salary discussion
Negotiate non-monetary rewards when a pay rise isn’t possible
Get clarity on why your request was declined
Adapt your approach to your career stage
Decide on your next move with a clear plan

Step 1: Reflect on your expectations and performance

Before taking any next steps, it’s crucial to assess the situation objectively.

Staying professional in the moment

Hearing “no” can be disappointing, but how you react is crucial. Your goal is to stay professional, maintain your composure, and set the stage for a productive follow-up.

Express gratitude, not frustration: Thank your manager for their time and for considering your request. This shows you value the conversation, even if you’re disappointed.
Manage your emotions: Avoid getting angry, defensive, or emotional. Your immediate response should be calm and measured.
Transition to a path forward: Instead of dwelling on the “no,” pivot to the future. Express your commitment and your desire to grow.

Script to use:

Thanks for taking the time to consider my request and for being upfront with me. While I’m a bit disappointed we couldn’t move forward on a pay rise right now, I’m still really committed to the team. Could we set up a time to discuss my performance and what I should focus on to work toward a future rise in my current salary?

Evaluate your performance

Did you meet or exceed the goals set out in your KPIs or performance reviews? Were there any missed targets that might explain the decision? A frank review of your recent contributions will help clarify whether the “no” was performance-related or driven by external factors. You should also consider any additional responsibilities or increased responsibilities you’ve taken on without a corresponding pay increase.

Research market benchmarks

Did your salary expectations align with market standards? Employers are more likely to approve increment percentages that are in line with current pay rate for your role. Use reputable salary guides from several recruitment agencies to compare data across sources. Look at ranges specific to your job function, location, and seniority to ensure your ask is reasonable and market-aligned.

Look at ranges specific to your job function, location, and seniority to ensure your ask is reasonable and aligned with the market rate.

If your performance has been strong and your salary request well-researched, you’re in a solid position to re-engage the salary negotiation conversation when the timing is right. But in the meantime, there’s real value in preparing for your next opportunity to ask — and that means building a stronger case, grounded in data.

Step 2: Build a data-informed case for the future

A rejection today doesn’t mean a rejection forever. Use this opportunity to prepare for a stronger discussion down the line.

Track your impact

Start compiling a list of your key contributions, ideally with quantifiable outcomes. This could include increased revenue, cost savings, process improvements, project wins, or stakeholder feedback. These are the concrete results that make your worth visible to your manager and the company.

Prepare documentation

Maintain a comprehensive file that includes performance reviews, key metrics, client testimonials, and project deliverables. Having these ready makes future salary conversations more compelling and evidence-based.

Proactively schedule a follow-up

Ask your manager when it would be appropriate to revisit the topic. Align on specific goals or milestones that would warrant a review – and wait for a response. Request regular check-ins to track progress.

Script to use:

Thanks for meeting with me. Following up on our last conversation, I took some time to review my contributions and prepare a case for my continued growth here. I want to walk you through some of my key accomplishments and discuss how we can align my goals for the next period.

Step 3: Explore non-monetary compensation

Having your accomplishments well-documented strengthens your case. But what if budget constraints still stand in your way? That’s when it is time to think beyond just base pay.

If your employer is dealing with a tight budget, they may not be able to offer more money right now – but that doesn’t mean all negotiation stops.

Know your alternatives

Benefits like additional leave days, flexible work hours, training stipends, wellness allowances, or expanded responsibilities (with a future path to promotion) can increase your job satisfaction and career growth. These are often great alternatives to a salary increase.

Be clear on what you value

Would you benefit from formal mentorship, attending conferences, or access to coaching? Sometimes, professional development investments can be just as impactful as financial incentives in advancing your long-term career.

Bring up the conversation professionally

Come prepared with your ideas and present them as win-win solutions. Keep the tone collaborative – it’s about what keeps you motivated and engaged, which ultimately benefits the business.

Script to use:

I understand that a salary increase may not be feasible right now. Given my commitment to growing with the company, I was hoping we could discuss some other options. I’m particularly interested in [mention specific benefits like flexible work hours or a training course] because I believe it would help me be even more productive in my role.

Step 4: Understand the reason behind the rejection

But what if the answer is still no? How do you move forward without losing momentum or morale? Getting clarity on the “why” behind the rejection helps you plan your next move. Don’t walk away without asking for feedback.

If it’s a budget constraint

Companies often have fixed salary budgets – especially during downturns or restructures. In some cases, businesses may offer promotions in title without an immediate salary increase.

While this can feel unfair, it’s worth considering the long-term benefits. A title change could enhance your CV, broaden your influence, or position you for a future rise or external opportunity. Evaluate whether the new salary that may come later is worth the wait.

If it’s a performance issue

Request specific, constructive feedback. Which areas need improvement? What would success look like in your manager’s eyes? Ask to co-create a performance plan with clear metrics and timelines so you have a path forward.

Securing a firm commitment

Sometimes, a manager’s feedback can be vague or non-committal, with phrases like, “We’ll see what happens next quarter” or “Just keep up the good work.” This leaves you without a clear plan. Your goal is to turn a vague promise into a concrete, measurable roadmap.

Push for specifics: Acknowledge their feedback, but politely ask for measurable goals. Don’t leave the meeting without a clear understanding of what “success” looks like.
Formalise the plan: Suggest co-creating a written plan with specific milestones. This isn’t about being distrustful; it’s about creating a shared document that ensures you’re both aligned.
Define timelines: Get a specific date on the calendar for a follow-up discussion. This creates accountability and shows you are serious about your development.

Script to use:

Thank you for that feedback. To make sure I’m focusing on the right priorities, could we map out a few key metrics I can focus on over the next quarter? I’d also love to schedule a check-in in three months to review my progress and discuss compensation again.

Seek outside perspective

Mentors, former managers, or peers in your industry can offer an objective view. Sometimes, talking it out helps you assess whether the feedback is valid or if you may be undervalued.

Step 5: Tailor your strategy based on seniority

The way you handle a rejected rise may vary depending on your career stage.

Early-career employees

Focus on learning and development opportunities. Your first few years are about building your portfolio and proving your reliability. Even if salary is off the table, you can negotiate for project exposure, mentorship, or training – all of which boost your long-term value and build new skills.

Mid-career professionals

You likely have a track record of success. If so, emphasise impact and results in your next compensation conversation. This is also the stage where job title, responsibility scope, and work-life balance start to matter more – so you can negotiate on multiple levels.

Senior leaders

At this level, salary conversations are deeply tied to company’s financial health. Your strategy should include evidence of your leadership impact, revenue growth, team outcomes, and alignment with business objectives. You can also explore equity-based incentives, succession planning discussions, or strategic involvement in decision-making for a higher salary or higher pay package.

Step 6: Plan your next move

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the answer won’t change. That’s when it’s time to consider your other options.

Re-evaluate fit

If you’ve hit a ceiling, are not being recognised, or sense a mismatch in values, it may be time to move on. Don’t rush – take time to reflect on what kind of company culture, leadership style, and growth trajectory would better suit your career.

Begin exploring new opportunities

Before you start applying for a new job, research salaries for your target roles using multiple reputable salary guides. Compare job descriptions, market demand, and pay ranges. This will help you negotiate confidently and avoid accepting a lateral move that doesn’t address your goals.

Exit professionally

If you decide to resign, avoid framing money as the sole reason. Exiting on a positive note by keeping it gracious and professional keeps your reputation intact and your references strong. Focus on your career development goals and appreciation for the experience gained.

Script to use:

This was a difficult decision, but I’ve accepted a new opportunity that more closely aligns with my long-term career goals. I’m so grateful for my time here, and I’ve truly valued the experience and skills I’ve gained. I’m happy to help ensure a smooth transition during my final two weeks.

Know your worth, but stay strategic

Your salary doesn’t define your value – but knowing what you’re worth, and how to communicate it, is essential to a fulfilling career. Use feedback constructively, document your wins, and approach every salary discussion with clarity, evidence, and confidence.

When the time is right, be ready to have that conversation again – or to take the next big step elsewhere.

Need help benchmarking your salary? Download our latest Salary Guide to compare ranges across roles, industries, and seniority levels.

Explore salary insights

To get a comprehensive view of salaries and market benchmarks across various industries and roles in Hong Kong, download the full 2025 Salary Guide, which features the average salary of roles in Hong Kong's dynamic job market, or use our Salary Comparison Tool to see how your salary compares to industry standards.

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10 resume builders and template tools to make your resume stand out

Naren Sankar — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 06:48:38 +0000

10 resume builders and template tools to make your resume stand out Naren Sankar

A resume serves as a marketing tool for your professional experience and background, so it needs to be distinct as well as easy to read to land a job interview.

How your resume looks and reads matters when competing for a job. According to a study by TheLadders, recruiters spend an average of six seconds before making the initial “fit or no fit” decision on candidates. However, the time a recruiter or hiring manager spends looking at a resume can vary depending on the role, the company, and the number of resumes they review.

Crafting a great resume is no easy feat, especially if you have an extensive career background, as resumes, unlike a CV, should not be more than two pages long. It can be a time-consuming process, and even more so when you need to customise resumes to target different jobs.

Resume templates can give you a head start by providing a pre-formatted document you can customise with your information. This way, you do not have to spend extra time on the resume format and can use your time to fill it up.

Not just for those who are not skilled at creating a resume layout, you should use a professional resume template because these resume templates now come in the form of resume builders that provide ideas and prompts, and even applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly resume templates to make sure you cover all grounds and details of your career when creating a professional-looking resume.

Benefits of using resume builders, templates and tools

Early resume builders offered basic templates and limited customisation options. However, resume builders have evolved to give you professional resume templates that incorporate advanced features such as writing suggestions, pre-written phrases, ATS optimisation, and integration with job boards.

Today, there are numerous online resume builders available, offering a wide range of templates, features, and pricing options to cater to the diverse needs of job seekers.

It goes without saying that resume builders offer a multitude of time-saving benefits for job seekers. By providing pre-designed resume templates and intuitive interfaces, these tools take away the need to spend hours formatting and designing resumes from scratch.

With easy-to-use editing features, you can swiftly input your information, including work experience, education, and skills, saving significant time and effort.

However, resume builders do so much more than that. Here are some other benefits of using resume builders:

1. Most resume builders include features like spell checkers and suggested phrases to help ensure that resumes are error-free and well-written.

2. They provide guidance and structure for your work history, resume summary and critical skills hiring managers expect to see.

3. They allow for quick updates and modifications without starting from scratch.

4. They streamline the resume creation process, enabling focus on tailoring content to specific job applications.

5. They provide attractive and modern resume templates with presets to suit different job applications.

6. Some resume builders come with help for cover letters and CV templates, either in the form of a builder or as samples.

7. These tools can be extremely helpful when you lack design skills.

Always customise when using resume templates

With that said, there are also some potential drawbacks to using resume templates. For example, if you use a template that is not well-designed or that is not tailored to your specific skills and experience, it could actually hurt your chances of getting a job. It’s important to choose a professional template that highlights your strengths.

You also don’t want to use a resume template blindly. Be sure to customise it to make it work for you.

Overall, the benefits of using resume templates outweigh the drawbacks. Utilising a resume template is still a great option if you’re looking to save time, make a good first impression, and highlight your skills and experience.

10 resume builders and template tools

Resume templates are valuable tools that can help job seekers create professional and visually appealing resumes efficiently. Here are 10 resume-building tools to help you construct your resume.

1. Canva

Canva is an online user-friendly graphic design tool that helps people make flawless graphics without needing any previous experience.

In this case, it can help job hunters build beautiful, creative resumes. There are hundreds of templates that you can use and customise onsite by switching colours, fonts, and graphics.

You can choose between a simple resume template, sleek resumes, bright and colourful templates, executive-level professional templates, and more. You will also have the option of uploading your own elements if you have features you would like to add.

2. Easel.ly

If you’re on a creative streak and looking to make something truly unique, Easel.ly gives you all the tools to make it happen. Technically speaking, Easel.ly is a tool for turning any kind of information into an engaging infographic, so you can use it for your resume and presentations and reports once you get hired.

Easel.ly offers one free resume template, and if you want more options, you need to pay. There are three pricing plans: Student, Individual and Business.

While all three packages give you access to 320+ templates (including resumes and others like brochures and infographics), 1.1 million icons and pictures, the Individual and Business plans provide access to many other elements like free student accounts and organisational options.

3. Kickresume

kickresume has over 50 templates to choose from, including career-specific options. It also comes with over 100 resume examples from people who have landed dream jobs to help you get the creative juices flowing.

The free version offers 4 basic resume templates, 4 matching cover letter templates, 1 basic website template, 20,000 pre-written phrases, 1,500+ resume examples and unlimited downloads.

The paid version provides more resume and cover letter templates, as well as personal website templates, full customisation options, an AI resume checker, and priority email and chat support.

4. Michael Page resume templates

We offer a range of professional resume templates that differ depending on what suits you and the position you’re applying for. For example, a skills-based resume focuses on your professional skills and will have a different look and function than a chronological resume and a creative resume, so choose the one relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Compared to resume builders out there, these fuss-free Microsoft Word templates offer a simple way for you to create your own version.

5. My Perfect Resume

My Perfect Resume takes the hassle out of resume writing. Choose from several templates and follow easy prompts to create the perfect job-ready resume effortlessly. It provides professionally designed templates, industry-specific content, and customisation options to match your professional style.

Unlike other resume-building websites, MyPerfectResume offers a cover letter builder, resume-writing services, resume optimisation tools and additional resources for the job seeker.

6. Resume.com

Resume.com comes with 24 free resume templates to choose from. You can upload your resume and work on the existing document or create one from scratch.

It provides a simple and intuitive process for creating professional resumes, allowing users to easily customise them. With its focus on aesthetics and ease of use, Resume.com offers a unique and visually appealing approach to resume building.

7. Resume.io

Resume.io is an online resume builder that offers users a user-friendly platform to create professional resumes. It provides a wide range of resume templates, including recruiter-tested templates and 350+ occupation-specific resume examples, and offers both free and paid subscription options with various pricing plans available.

The platform offers features such as research-based writing suggestions, AI pre-written phrases, optimised resumes for applicant tracking systems (ATS), and a convenient and easy-to-use interface.

Resume.io includes additional tools like a photo background removal tool, an integrated job tracking board, and the ability to merge resumes and cover letters into one PDF document.

8. Resumonk

The free version of Resumonk comes with four templates and the ability to import your LinkedIn profile. A paid version will set you back by USD$29 a year but provides 17 templates and no Resumonk branding in the footer.

It also enables you to create a cover letter for each resume, a custom URL to share your resume online, and analytics to track online views. The platform also offers valuable resources, including expert tips and advice on resume writing, to enhance the quality and effectiveness of your application.

9. Resume Genius

Resume Genius is a resume-building website that provides users with a well-designed and helpful resume builder. It offers 15 modern resume templates that are highly professional and ATS-friendly, ensuring that resumes are easily parsed by applicant tracking systems.

What sets ResumeGenius apart is its use of AI to add pre-filled bullet points to the experience section, making the resume creation process fast and easy.

Unlike most resume builders, where you need to first choose a resume template of your liking before filling in details, Resume Genius gets you to upload your existing resume first, and implement them across its templates for you to visualise your resume before you decide on the best resume template for you. There are also resume samples available as references as you craft your job-winning resume.

The website charges a one-time fee of USD$2.95 for downloading a custom-built resume or a monthly fee of USD$7.95 for unlimited resumes and cover letters.

10. VisualCV

When creating a resume on VisualCV, users can choose from over 20 resume templates and have the flexibility to download the resume as a PDF or share it online. You can download a branded and free resume without purchasing any plans.

The VisualCV branding can be removed from your PDF by upgrading to VisualCV Pro. If you decide to upgrade to the Pro version (USD$12/month for a minimum of three months), you can access all templates, multiple resume versions, and the ability to export to PDF without the VisualCV branding.

The platform also provides resume writing services by certified professional resume writers and a range of career advice content on how to get a good start in your career.

Looking for a great job opportunity? Browse our latest jobs, submit your CV, or get in touch with a Michael Page consultant to discuss roles in your field.

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What to do if you don’t get the salary increment you want

Step 1: Reflect on your expectations and performance

Staying professional in the moment

Script to use:

Evaluate your performance

Research market benchmarks

Step 2: Build a data-informed case for the future

Track your impact

Prepare documentation

Proactively schedule a follow-up

Script to use:

Step 3: Explore non-monetary compensation

Know your alternatives

Be clear on what you value

Bring up the conversation professionally

Script to use:

Step 4: Understand the reason behind the rejection

If it’s a budget constraint

If it’s a performance issue

Securing a firm commitment

Script to use:

Seek outside perspective

Step 5: Tailor your strategy based on seniority

Early-career employees

Mid-career professionals

Senior leaders

Step 6: Plan your next move

Re-evaluate fit

Begin exploring new opportunities

Exit professionally

Script to use:

Know your worth, but stay strategic

Explore salary insights

Join over 60,000 readers!

Job Match

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Popular Articles

10 resume builders and template tools to make your resume stand out

Benefits of using resume builders, templates and tools

Always customise when using resume templates

10 resume builders and template tools

1. Canva

2. Easel.ly

3. Kickresume

4. Michael Page resume templates

5. My Perfect Resume

6. Resume.com

7. Resume.io

8. Resumonk

9. Resume Genius

10. VisualCV

Join over 60,000 readers!

Job Match

Topics

Popular Articles