Asking For  Raise:  It's All In the Preparation.
So, you've been on the job for a while, you think you're doing good work and you figure, maybe, it's time for a raise.
Well, here are some good tips that'll help you get that bigger paycheck.
Before You Talk to Your Boss When asking for a raise, the best advice you'll ever get is: be prepared.
Don't ask on the spur of the moment.
Think before you act and get yourself ready to negotiate a raise.
  Gather information about your job performance.
Organize your thoughts.
  Be prepared to give reasons why you should be given a raise.
You can point to things like new skills you've developed, an excellent attendance record or the additional responsibilities you've taken on since your last raise.
Put your thoughts down on paper.
  Be realistic.
Before you ask for a raise, look over your job performance.
If you've only been there two weeks, or if you have a bad attendance record, don't expect much of a raise.
    Have some idea of what you're looking for.
Check the classifieds in the newspaper or on line to see what other companies are paying for someone with your skills and experience.
Do some research to see how your paycheck measures up to the going rate in your area.
  Consider the needs of the employer.
If you're working for a small company and business has been kind of slow and there have been a few layoffs, chances are it's not a good time to ask for a pay raise.
  Practice what you'll say.
Write it all down and say it out loud a few times until you know just what points to mention and which to avoid.
A little practice will also give you the confidence you need to talk to your supervisor.
Then you can set up your meeting.
  How to Negotiate a Raise It may sound obvious, but make sure you're talking to the right person - the one who makes the raise decisions.
Check with your immediate supervisor - the person who gives you day-to-day directions - about whom you should talk to concerning a raise.
  During your talks, remember that these discussions are actually negotiations.
Don't make demands and don't back yourself into a corner.
You'll do much better by presenting your thoughtful reasons on why you believe you've earned a raise.
  Always remain calm during your negotiations no matter what the outcome.
At all times during your discussions remember: you still have to work there when the discussion is over, so keep a cool head.
  Never discuss other employees and what they earn.
Never say "So and so makes such and such.
Why not me?" What someone else earns doesn't matter.
Keep the focus on you and your accomplishments and contributions on the job.
  Be creative in your discussions.
If additional dollars aren't available for a raise in pay, how about better job responsibilities or better hours.
Be flexible when your employer shows appreciation for your work, and then plan on a raise sometime down the line.
  Know when to stop negotiating.
Have a goal in mind when you start talking - another dollar an hour or better work responsibilities, for example.
When you've gotten something that will make you happy, even if it isn't everything you wanted, smile, say "thank you" and make your exit.
Once again, these are negotiations - you give a little and so does your employer.
  Be prepared to accept not getting a raise and, be prepared to start looking for another job.
But never quit in anger.
You won't get a good reference and it's likely to cause financial difficulties for you and your family.
If you feel you deserve a raise and don't get it, start a sensible plan to find another job at your pace and on your terms.
That's the best way to leave any job.
      DO YOU DESERVE A RAISE? Here are some questions to help you organize your thoughts before you ask for a raise.
Be honest as you answer these questions and remember: be realistic in your expectations.
    1.
How long have you worked for this employer? (longer is better) _______________   2.
How would you describe your attendance record?         Excellent    Good    Fair    Bad   3.
What are your workplace duties? _______________________________________________   4.
Have you been given additional responsibilities since you were hired? If so, what are they? ____________________________________________________________________________   5.
Has your work been acceptable to supervisors? If not, why? ____________________________________________________________________________   6.
Have you ever received a bad report or criticism from a supervisor? If so, describe the circumstances.
___________________________________________________________________________   7.
Have you ever received a good report or praise from a supervisor? If so, describe the circumstances.
__________________________________________________________________________   8.
Would you be willing to take on additional tasks or responsibilities along with a raise? If so, what additional tasks would you be willing to take on? __________________________________________________________________________   9.
Have you acquired new skills on the job since you were hired? __________________________________________________________________________   10.
Have you received additional job-related training since you were hired? __________________________________________________________________________   11.
How would you describe your relationship with co-workers? Excellent   Good   Fair   Bad   12.
When was the last time you received a raise from your employer, if ever? ____________