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Asking for a raise can be daunting. It can be so uncomfortable that most employees avoid it altogether. How to ask, what to say, and the timing of the request are all important factors. Preparing for this conversation is the best way to make yourself as comfortable as possible and get something out of it. Consider these tips before you schedule time with your boss.

1-Do the research. At most companies, it’s perfectly fine to ask for a raise after you’ve been on the job for at least one year or if there have been significant changes to your responsibilities. Research what other companies (both large and small) pay their employees doing a similar job. This helps you know if your request is realistic.

2-Know what’s important to you. Before you meet with your manager, decide if a pay increase is the only thing you’d accept. If more money isn’t the only thing that makes you feel valued at your company, what else would you want? The ability to work remotely? A change in job responsibilities? In case the company can’t give you a pay raise, have a good idea of what else you’d consider just as important.

3-Have your evidence ready when you present your case to your manager. Discuss your impact on the company and how you’re going above and beyond your regular job duties. Have specific examples when you’ve received positive feedback on your accomplishments or where you’ve helped the bottom line. You may have to remind your manager of your excellent results in case she doesn’t have day-to-day knowledge of your work. Be ready, with examples, of how your work impacts your team, your department and the company.

4-Ask for more than you want and decide how critical the answer is to you. Asking for a bit more than you expect gives you and your manager room to negotiate. The request shouldn’t be an unrealistic amount but just enough to give you a buffer. Also, give serious thought to what you’ll do if your request is denied. Is a pay increase so critical that you would be willing to leave your job if denied? It’s important to consider all angles before you ask.

5-What if the answer is “no”? If your manager is unable to give you a pay increase at this time, you can request some other item you’d be interested in, such as tuition reimbursement or more career development opportunities. The idea is to feel like you’ve come away from the conversation with something that is both valuable to you and will increase your value to the company.

Preparing for your conversation makes it less stressful for you and your boss. Do your homework and be realistic. Good managers want their employees to feel engaged and appreciated. Be sure you know ahead of time what it would take to make you feel that way.

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