There are a number of effective techniques, and

A: You are already on the right track! Realizing that you may need to ask for a raise, rather than waiting for one to be offered, is important. The key, as with many things, is doing your homework and being prepared. Here are some quick tips to give you the best chance to successfully secure a pay raise.

• Do your homework. 
  Know where you stand relative to your peers in the company and industry. Research salary ranges on the Internet, look at job postings, and talk to peers to determine your actual worth and build a business case for the raise you are targeting. Spherion^®  offers salary comparisons on our Candidate Resource Center.
• Phrase your request assertively, but not aggressively. 
  Base your request for a raise on a set of objective criteria that include industry salary standards and your recent performance. Communicate honestly and directly the value of your contributions to the company, and gather documentation to support your case.
• Define your goals.
  Start the conversation with a figure above what you are aiming for and be prepared to negotiate back to a figure closer to your minimum acceptable raise.  Leave yourself room to compromise without being priced out of your target range.
• Aim for a win-win.
  Realize that you and your boss need to walk away feeling you both have gained something.  Ask if you can assume more responsibility or redefine your role to help support the raise.
• Prepare yourself for all possible scenarios.
  Anticipate all the concerns and possible objections your supervisor may have and prepare your responses. 
• Get it in writing.
  To ensure there is no question of commitment and no room for ambiguity or retreat, get the terms you reached in writing with the right signatures.

To ask for feedback from others who have found themselves in similar situations, or to review other questions, visit Spherion’s career blog.