What To Do If Your Request For A Payrise Is Rejected
Why It Matters
You’ve prepared your case, presented the data and delivered your pitch and your manager says no. It’s disappointing, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation or your motivation.
In a market where budgets are tightening and marketing teams are being asked to do more with less, a “no” often says more about timing and budgets than your value. The key is to respond constructively and turn the setback into progress.
Don’t React, Reflect
Hearing “no” can sting, especially when you’ve built your case carefully. Take a breath, thank them for considering it, and ask if you can revisit the discussion later in the year. Remaining calm and professional keeps your credibility intact, and shows emotional intelligence, a key leadership trait in marketing roles.
Ask for Specific Feedback
If your manager can’t approve a salary increase now, find out why.
- Is it budget-related?
- Performance-related?
- Linked to business performance?
Ask what specific outcomes, targets or metrics you need to meet to justify a future raise. Request clear goals, for example, “If I deliver X campaign results or take on Y responsibility, could we review my salary in six months?”
Negotiate Non-Financial Rewards
Money isn’t the only form of recognition. If budgets are frozen, explore:
- Professional development – training, courses or conference attendance.
- Flexible working – an extra remote day or adjusted hours.
- Title or responsibility changes – a step up in scope that positions you for future promotion.
- Performance reviews – agree to a shorter review cycle so you can revisit the conversation sooner.
In creative and digital environments, growth and exposure to new challenges often accelerate your value more than a one-off pay bump.
Check Your Market Value
If you’ve consistently taken on more responsibility without reward, it might be time to reassess your market worth. Salary benchmarks across marketing and digital roles vary hugely by specialism, for example, performance marketing and CRM roles often command 15–25% higher salaries than generalist positions.
We can share up-to-date insight from the Milton Keynes and surrounding markets to help you understand where you stand.
Keep the Conversation Open
End the discussion on a positive note: express appreciation, reiterate your commitment, and agree on a review date. Follow up in writing so there’s a record of your discussion and next steps.
Being proactive keeps the dialogue alive and reminds your employer that you’re invested and not disengaged.
When to Re-Evaluate
If you’ve consistently hit targets, delivered impact and still see no progression after multiple reviews, it may be time to look elsewhere. As marketing and digital recruiters, we regularly see talented professionals undervalued simply because their employers can’t adapt fast enough. Sometimes, a new chapter really is the right one.
Final Thought
A rejected pay-rise request doesn’t define your worth, it’s simply feedback on timing, priorities and budgets. The most successful marketers turn it into motivation: a plan to grow, learn and build leverage for the next conversation.
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