So you feel you deserve a raise and realize how hard you’ve been

working, but how do you do you go about addressing this with your boss?

Well, first you need to ask yourself do I deserve a raise? How has my

work been progressing here? Have I been accomplishing goals? Am I

underpaid in my industry? These are the questions you should

prepare yourself. Make a list the things you’re done. You should be

prepared to explain to your boss the answers to these questions.

Be confident- the worst thing your boss can say is no. Some employees

just accept the minimum 2 percent raise because they are afraid to ask

for more. If you know you deserve a raise, and can back it up with

accurate information, go for it!

Knowing where you stand in the industry is important in determining

your raise. Do your research using the bureau of labor statistics.  It

has the most recent salary updates. Also know the company’s raise

policy. Is there a percentage range based on performance? Is it a fixed

cost-living raise that everyone gets?

Having the correct data is only half the battle. No one says it is

going to be easy, but you should show that you contributed in a way that

was beyond your call of duty. Remember bosses like to see results. Be

specific and detailed in your explanations so your boss can’t argue

your achievements. If you are a sales representative list figures that

you generated this year above last years.  Write the accomplishments

down think about what you did to make that positive change.

If you can’t think of anything you probably shouldn’t ask for a raise.

But if you do have some major wins you should focus on qualifying them

as if you were writing a resume.

The next step should be is to go over it with someone in the same field

but not your co-worker. Going over salaries with your co-workers is a

no-no! The point is to bounce your achievements off someone else that

knows you well and is experienced.

Getting a negative response from your boss might also be a wake-up call

that there is no room for growth at the company and that its time to

move on. Make a plan to take the last stand option: Ask for feedback on

what you need to do to get the raise you want. And schedule goals in

writing so you both can remember what you agreed on.

Then reach for the stars!