August often carries a “quiet month” label. People are away, the pace feels slower, and the sunshine (when we get it) can make the office seem far away from our thoughts.
But behind the scenes, something important is happening: many companies are reviewing Q4 plans and setting budgets for the year ahead. And that means one thing; decisions about promotions, pay rises, and career opportunities are often being made right now.
If you’ve been thinking about stepping up in your role, asking for a salary increase, or positioning yourself for a bigger opportunity, this could be the moment to take action; before decisions are made without you.
Why August Works in Your Favour
“Opportunity doesn’t knock twice.” – Anonymous
- Budget planning is in motion, and those conversations often shape who gets promoted or rewarded next year. When you raise your hand now, you have a much greater chance of being factored into those plans.
- With many colleagues still in summer mode, there’s less competition for your manager’s attention. It’s a quieter, more focused time to have a meaningful conversation. And with eight months of the year behind you, you already have results and achievements to showcase — with time still left to deliver even more before year-end.
Build Your Case with Evidence
- Your request needs to be supported by clear evidence of your impact. Keep a record of your wins: projects you’ve delivered, challenges you’ve solved, revenue you’ve generated, clients you’ve retained.
- Whenever possible, back these up with numbers: “Increased client retention by 12%” is far more compelling than “I’ve been doing a great job.”
- And make the connection, show how your contributions have helped your company achieve its wider goals. This isn’t just about what you’ve done; it’s about how it’s moved the organisation forward.
Choose the Right Moment
“You don’t raise your voice, you improve your argument.” – Desmond Tutu
- Don’t catch your manager off-guard. Ask for a dedicated meeting to discuss your role and future growth. Frame it as a career development conversation, not just a request for more money.
- Consider your company’s rhythm too; if your manager is in the middle of a major deadline, pick a lighter week when they’ll be able to focus.
Nail Your Pitch
Think about your conversation in three parts:
- Achievement – Lead with your measurable results this year.
- Business Case – Show how your growth benefits the organisation.
- Clear Ask – Be specific about what you want: promotion, pay increase, new title, or added responsibility.
For example:
“Since January, I’ve led two key projects that delivered €150k in revenue and reduced client churn by 10%. I’d like to discuss how my role can evolve to reflect this impact, and explore a salary adjustment to match.”
Be Ready for Any Outcome
Sometimes the answer will be yes, and you can agree timelines and next steps straight away.
Sometimes it’s not right now; in which case, ask what milestones you’d need to hit to make it possible and set a follow-up date.
And if the answer is no, don’t walk away empty-handed. Consider other ways to progress your career, such as training opportunities, more flexible hours, or taking on higher-profile projects.
Final Thought
“You don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate.” – Chester Karrass
- You’ve set your goals, stayed focused through the summer, and built real momentum. Now it’s time to make sure your hard work is recognised and rewarded.
- Don’t wait until your annual review; by then, the decisions may already be made. Take the initiative this August and start shaping your next career step.
If you’re thinking about asking for a promotion or pay rise but aren’t sure how to approach it, I can help you map out your case and boost your confidence before you have the conversation.
anne-marie@amfconsulting.ie | www.amfconsulting.ie