Do you think that you deserve more money at work?  I think you do!  If you have been contemplating asking for a raise, but you aren’t quite sure how to do it, don’t fear!  We have listed out some tips for you on the best ways to prepare and the best tactics to take when asking for an income increase.

Here are 4 tips for asking for raise that you should follow:

1. Research.  Make sure you know what the average pay is for someone in your position and factor in your education and experience.  Make sure that you are prepared with this information before you ever even contemplate requesting more money.
2. Don’t wait.  Do not wait until your annual review is due before asking.  If you know that you are worth more than you are being paid for, then approach your boss with the information and your request.
3. Be willing to negotiate.  If you are asking for $10k more per year, that is a lot.  You may need to be willing to negotiate in order to get the raise that you are requesting.  Maybe your company can only afford to give you an additional $5000.  
4. Don’t get angry or sad.  If they say they can’t give you a raise, don’t let it get you down.  Maybe they simply can’t afford it.  You can either continue to be your best self at work, or you can take your experience and seek employment elsewhere.

Here are 3 things that you should avoid when asking for a raise:

1. Not being confident.  If you don’t feel 100% confident in your abilities and the information need to back up your request, don’t make your request.  If the confidence isn’t there, that is probably a good sign that now is not the right time.
2. Acting unsure of yourself.  Even if you are nervous, be sure to use the old saying “fake it til you make it.”  If you act confident, you will be easier to take seriously.
3. Don’t complain.  I know, I know.  You haven’t had a raise in 3 years, you do more work than is asked, you stay late all the time, blah, blah.  No one wants to listen to complaints and complaining is a good way to put someone in a bad mood, not exactly the mood you want to set.