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By: Shawn Wilson

Think you're underpaid and deserve more money but you're not quite sure how to go about it? Does the thought of going to your boss with your hand out leave you sweating and stressed? Read on about four suggestions about how to ask your employer for a raise.

Be Prepared - Just because you show up on time and do the job you're being paid to do does not qualify you for a raise. Start by pulling out your job description and make a list of all the tasks you've been doing that aren't listed. If someone has left your company, and you have taken on their responsibilities in addition to your own, that will go a long way in justifying your request for a wage increase. Make a note of any special projects that you led or participated in. Include initiatives that you implemented that saved the company money, or increased sales. If you've been attending night school or have taken classes online that are beneficial to your position, be sure to include them in your pitch.

Be Realistic - Do some research as to what a position such as yours pays in your area. This should give you a good idea whether or not your current wage is above or below the norm. Remember that pay scales vary across the country and what is an acceptable wage in a large urban center may not be realistic in a small town. If you have knowledge of the company's financial position, take that into consideration. You don't want to be asking for more money on the heels of four consecutive quarters of losses. Have a figure or a percentage increase in mind ahead of time.

It's all in the timing - Asking for a raise the day after the team from head office has departed and everyone in the office is stressed beyond belief may not be in your best interest. And if you've just attended a cost cutting seminar, keep your request under wraps until the dust has settled. Pick a time that is favorable to you, such as at the conclusion of your successful project. Another great time to ask for a raise is during an encouraging and flattering employment review.

Don't let it get personal - Your boss doesn't care that you have credit card bills that need paying or that your car needs a new muffler. Those are your responsibilities, not hers. Never, ever, bring your personal life into a wage negotiation.

Negotiate - Once you've confidently stated your case, and backed it up with do***entation, state what you feel is an appropriate level of pay. If your boss turns you down flat, be direct and ask her what she feels is suitable. Don't forget about compensation other than an increase in salary. Explore options such as increased vacation time with pay, sick leave, a bonus structure or additional company paid benefits.

Good luck!

This article was written by Shawn Wilson, a member of the customer support team at Datepad, where internet dating is always free. Datepad has a massive directory of informative dating articles along with a great list of dating site reviews on their dating blog.

Tags: Business/Communication/Negotiation raise employer salary negotiate increase

How To Ask For A Raise