How to Ask for a Raise

Money is rarely a comfortable topic, so asking for a pay raise can be a daunting and frightening task. However, if you feel that your compensation does not match your output, it's better to brave the process before you develop toxic resentment. By approaching the conversation with preparation and professionalism, you can make it easier for everyone involved.

Salary negotiations are difficult for many employees, but particularly for women. In fact, women are less likely than their male counterparts to get the same raises and bonuses because they are reluctant to ask. Whether you are male or female, it is crucial to overcome your fear or reticence and go after the pay raise you deserve.

Before you go to your supervisor, make sure that a pay raise is in order. In general, a once-yearly salary increase is reasonable, but you may be able to ask for more frequent raises if your workload has increased significantly, if you are a star performer, if your talents are in high demand, or if you work in food service or retail. Examine your performance in the office. Are you meeting all of your job requirements? Are you going above and beyond to serve the customer? Have you successfully taken on more responsibility in recent months? Are your efforts resulting in higher profits or greater savings for the company? If so, it may be time for a raise.

The pay raise conversation can be touchy, so it is important to hold it at the right time. Find out when your company makes decisions about salary allocations, and schedule a discussion a few months in advance. That way, your boss has ample time to make room in the budget for the increase in compensation. If you don't want to wait, pick a time when your boss isn't overwhelmed with projects and deadlines.

Do your research in advance of the meeting. Find out what other professionals with the same level of experience and education are making in similar positions. Gather the information and hard numbers relating to your performance; if you've increased sales by 25 percent in the last three months, don't hesitate to mention it. Use this information to show your value to the company, and lay out a matter-of-fact argument for a salary increase. When asking for raises, it can be easy to personalize the discussion. Avoid the temptation to let your feelings take over and treat the pay raise meeting like any other business transaction.

Asking for raises is never a fun experience, but it is a necessity at every level of your career. By developing the skills to broach the topic at the right time and in the right manner, you can secure a pay raise with minimal discomfort on both sides of the table.

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