How to ask for a pay rise

**CALCULATE YOUR WORTH
**Try to calculate how much you think you are worth and back it up with evidence of your skills and achievements.

**FIND YOUR LEVEL
**Take a look around at what other people with your level of experience in your position are being paid and arm yourself with this information.

**PICK YOUR TIME CAREFULLY
**Find an appropriate time to make the request and make an appointment if necessary. The end of a working day may be a good time.

**JUDGE THEIR MOOD
**Is your boss in a position to listen to your request? Try to judge their mood and, if needs be, put off negotiations until later.

**LET THEM BARGAIN YOU DOWN
**If you feel confident, ask for a little more than you are really after. For example, if you are happy to settle for a 5% pay rise, try asking for 7%.

**HAVE YOUR ANSWERS READY
**How will you respond if you are offered a lower amount than you wanted? Have a response prepared in advance.

**CONSIDER OTHER BENEFITS
**Consider whether or not you would be prepared to accept extra holiday or more flexible hours instead of a raise.

**BE PRAGMATIC AND TRY AGAIN
**If you are turned down, ask your boss when you would be eligible for a raise (eg, in six months' time) and schedule a meeting to discuss it again then.