The best way to ask for a raise, and get one.

Asking for money can be hard for just about anyone. Going to your boss and asking for an increase can feel like a handout. If you are working hard and doing your job, I can assure you, it should not feel like that. As a Human Resource professional, I often times help people negotiate a great salary on the way in. Asking for something up front seems to be easier to people than asking for it after you have been with an employer for a while. This shouldn't be the case.

If your employer has a set review schedule, you can manage your expectations by asking your supervisor what the average increase amount is. Ask if the increases are provided based on merit and what you can expect for exceeding expectations. If the increase period is far off, or if there is no set review time you can then position yourself to ask for an increase.

First, make sure that you are exceeding the expectations of your manager. Ask for feedback on your performance and ask what you can do to improve. If your manager tells you that you are a star performer, you will feel alot more at ease asking for more money. Take a look at your job decription (if you have one). Take note of what you have done and what you continue to do that is above and beyond the basics of your job duties.

Secondly, check to make sure that you are not overpaid for your market. Most people use salary.com or a web site that compile compensation data for a number of positions. It is my professional opinion that most of these sites do inflate salary's a bit, but they can be helpful to see if you are anywhere near where you should be. Keep in mind that different positions will pay differently based on geographic location, the size of the company and the industry.

Now that you know that you are a star performer and you are underpaid, you are set to ask for a bump. The best time to do this is after you have spent about a month coming in early, staying late, working through lunch or finishing a huge project. Make yourself valuable before you ask for more money. Set aside a time to speak with your manager privately. You should set aside at least 15 minutes to a half an hour. Here are some examples of how the conversation should go:

I really love working here and this job has been fantastic. I have learned a lot while still being able to add value. I would really like to be making a bit more money and I did some research. I found that in my position with my education most people are making $XX by thier second year. I am making $XX below that and I would like a market adjustment to match that salary.

OR

The past years here have been great and I am so happy to be a part of a great department (or company). I have found recently that with the rising costs of gas and the lenght of my commute, I am no longer able to keep up at my current salary. I've done some research and an increase of (any number) would make a significant difference and allow me to continue to contribute to the team.

OR

Thanks for taking the time to meet with me. This is a very hard conversation for me to have. I really love my job and the people that I work with, however it has been two years since my last salary increase. I feel as though I am underpaid and I would like for you to consider me for an increase.

Any combination of these will work as well. Some items to keep in mind are to be respectful, don't invent a job offer for a counter offer, and don't over boast your achievements. It is normal to be nervous about this type of a conversation. Practice in front of a friend or family member until you are comfortable with what you are saying. You want to look intelligent and in control in this meeting, so make sure that you know what you are going to say and you have everything prepared prior to setting up the meeting.

WIth any luck you will see an increase in no time. Don't expect an monster increase overnight. Be patient, depending on the size of your organization increases can take some time to get approved. Your company may or may not be able to financially handle your request. If your manager has not gotten back to you in two weeks follow up with them. Best of luck!