Career experts say asking for a raise isn't off the table in a tough job market

"With the U.S. experiencing a significant hiring slowdown, it's a daunting time to be looking for a job. Many workers are staying put instead of changing jobs to secure better pay. Artificial intelligence tools increasingly screen the resumes of applicants. Now may seem like an inappropriate time to request a raise. But sticking around doesn't mean wages and salaries have to stagnate. Career experts say it's not wrong, even in a shaky economy, to ask to be paid what you're worth."

"Raises aren't even necessarily off the table at organizations that are downsizing, according to some experts. A lot of people think if their company has done layoffs, the likelihood of getting a raise is pretty low, said Jamie Kohn, a senior director in the human resources practice at business research and advisory firm Gartner. And that might be true, but the the other way to think about it is that this company has already decided to reinvest in you by keeping you on."

The U.S. hiring slowdown has made job searching difficult, prompting many workers to remain in their current roles rather than pursue higher-paying positions. Artificial intelligence increasingly filters resumes, complicating external job moves. Employees can still pursue pay increases while staying with employers, including organizations undergoing downsizing. Raises may be justified when workers assume greater responsibilities, receive strong performance reviews, or discover pay disparities with peers. Employers who retained staff during layoffs may be more likely to invest in remaining employees. Financial strain, such as needing a second job, can also justify requesting a pay adjustment and offering additional commitment.

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