Get that Raise!

It's annual review time You'll soon be sitting with a supervisor or manager and talking about your performance for the company Have you made a contribution? Have you performed above expectations? Are your superiors pleased with your output? Then it's time to talk turkey You'd naturally like a raise in pay Don't go to that meeting unprepared The company may have money in the budget to afford an increase, but it might not be what you think you deserve To make your case, consider some of these suggestions:

Schedule a meeting with your boss at a time when you know that you will have his or her full attention, preferably after you have been praised for a project or assignment
Schedule at least 30 minutes for the meeting
Prepare documentation that shows exactly what you have done to deserve more pay Show what new responsibilities you have taken on beyond the original job description Show how you have exceeded goals Quantify how much your efforts add to the company's bottom line
Finish your pitch with hard facts and results and then tell your boss that you feel you are ready for a raise
Always ask for more than you expect to get If you want a 5% raise, ask for 10%
Make sure to get your agreement in writing
If they say no, ask for clarification What skills or additional accomplishments does your boss think you need in order to qualify for a better salary?
Do not threaten to walk out if you are turned down This shows a lack of commitment to your company and will not go down well If you do not get a raise now, try to set a date in the future to review your pay