How to Ask for a Raise

Ideally, your boss will initiate the discussion about getting you a raise, especially if you've made clear how much more you're putting into your job. But if the conversation does fall to you, it's important to know when it's best to make the pitch. It's generally not a good idea to ask your manager first thing in the morning or Friday on the verge of a weekend, and you should also avoid asking after a big project or during a stressful time at work.

It's a good idea to build a case for why you should get paid more, and to have a specific figure in mind that reflects your market value. It helps to do this research ahead of time, using salary data from websites like PayScale and Glassdoor and talking to other people in your industry who have similar jobs. "You need to arm yourself with data and facts, not emotions," says Steve Cook, CEO of career coaching firm Built In.

Your boss will want to see that you're in it for the long haul, and that you'll continue to go above and beyond in your current role if given the raise. Be sure to highlight your track record of success and the impact that your efforts have had on the company's bottom line.

Be prepared for a no, even if you've built a strong case for why you deserve a raise. If the company is not in a position to afford it at this time, try to understand what's behind the decision and decide on a different approach, such as discussing alternative benefits, like more vacation time or professional development stipends, instead.How to ask for a raise