The Right Way to Ask for a Raise

Let me start with a helpful insight. If you can show your boss you've earned it, your chances of getting a raise will be much higher. Before you decide to approach your boss to touch this "sensitive" subject, you will need a salary goal that's reasonable, a list of accomplishments you've had with the company and most importantly good timing.

The first step might be tricky because many prohibit employees from discussing their salaries, but still you will have to find out what others are making in your position. You can get some information by asking other coworkers that you have a tight relationship with and work in your field or you can do some research online by checking on websites that compare the average salary that people make around the country.

Make a professional and clear list that showcases your strengths and accomplishments. Be precise. The best way to prove to your boss that you deserve a raise is by showing it with solid actions and not words.

Make sure that you take the leap in the right place and at the right time, this could potentially be after you accomplish something major in your position, like closing a deal or when your boss compliments your hard work and many achievements. This doesn't mean to do it immediately, but do it when the moment is still fresh in your boss' mind.

Surveys performed by employers conclude that your odds of getting an increase in your pay are higher if you're doing 20% or more work than when you originally got hired, or received your last pay increase. So make sure that this is true in your position when you ask for a raise.

When approaching your boss for something of this nature, you want to make sure that all the attention is on you, so make sure that you schedule an appointment to get all of your boss's focus.

Scheduling an appointment on a Thursday is best if possible. This day is known to be the day of the week when most workers get raises or promotions.

Once you get to the meeting, bring a copy of your strengths and accomplishments for your boss and one for yourself so you can use it as a guideline as you make your point of why you think you deserve the raise.

Body language is key, so lean forward while you seat on the chair as this expression conveys power and confidence.

A good starting line is important while negotiating your salary, but most importantly focus on closing the meeting by asking for your raise in a specific percentage term, this could be something along the lines of "I believe that the amount of work I do combined with the amount of achievements I've had demonstrates that I deserve %100 more than what I'm making currently".

If things don't go the way you thought they would, and after you present all your points your boss still says no to your request, don't just walk away, be proactive and ask what you can or need to do to get the raise. By doing this you will show that although you respect your boss' opinion, you aren't letting the idea of getting a raise go away and you're willing to work harder to get what you want.