You've put in some solid time at your job and made valuable contributions, and you feel you should be earning a bit more. How can you tactfully ask for a raise?
When asking for a pay raise, it's important to be able to back up your reasons for asking. These reasons should not include personal reasons why you need more money, but rather why you deserve it. Do research into the salaries and benefits to those in a similar position at related companies to see how much you can reasonably ask for. The amount of time you've been at the company may also be a factor.
Once you've planned your case, wait for the right time to ask. A suitable time might be at the end of a project that you've done well on or after an annual performance review. If it's after a performance review, the topic of salary may come up naturally. Make sure your boss is in a good mood. During the busiest, most stressful time of year or a period of company financial uncertainty is not a good time to bring up money.
Show appreciation for your time at the company and then explain how you've grown over this time. Highlight your accomplishments and initiatives you've taken. If you're in sales, mention the number of sales you've made. If you can clearly show how you're making money for the company, they'll be more willing to raise your salary.
Realise that you may not get what you ask for and be prepared to negotiate a compromise. If they can't offer you a raise right now, ask what you could do in order to get one in the future and set a reasonable time frame for when you could expect that. Show that you're willing to take on more responsibility and move the company forward.
Do research and prepare your case
Choose the right time
Highlight your accomplishments
Be willing to compromise
