We all want to make more money. However, it isn’t quite as simply as walking into your boss’s office, having a sit, expressing your interest in a raise and shaking hands. While that would certainly be appealing to many employees across the globe, that just isn’t how it works. Knowledge is the key when seeking a raise from your employer. You will need to know what your job is actually worth and be prepared to approach your boss to discuss your current salary, job performance, and accomplishments.

In a survey conducted to ten ordinary employees all from separate companies 100% said that they would love to get a raise tomorrow. When asked why they would like a raise 8 made reference to a personal need, one said why not, and two said because they work hard and have done a great job. Do not ask for a raise because you need the extra money or can’t pay the cable bill this month. If you were the boss, would that be a factor in considering your employee’s raises?

Asking for a raise should focus on the company. What have you done for them since your employment with them? How has having you as a team member contributed to their success?

First look at your written job description. If you don’t have this visit your HR department and they will be able to provide one either from your file or a generic one. Think about your daily duties and jot down on a separate piece of paper the additional duties that you perform that are not considered a part of your job description.

If you company does evaluations, prepare those in a folder. If you have received awards, and/or recognition in the past, include those in the folder as well. Type out an organized list of your accomplishments and experts suggest that you relate a dollar amount to them if possible. For example, if you are the assistant responsible for ordering office supplies and requested bids from several office supply companies, and were able to save the company over 35% each month by switching to another vendor, include that, and possibly a few example of vendor invoices.

One of the most important pieces of information that you should have with you, is the average compensation for you job description. (this generally wouldn’t include the list of additional duties that you perform outside of your job description) Try to find comparable positions within the same part of the country that you are located.