How should I prepare to ask my boss for a raise?

List all of your pluses and workplace achievements.

Do your homework. Compare your pay rate with others in your field or your company. List your contributions to the company that are above and beyond your pay scale. Get to the bottom line, how much is the raise you are asking for going to cost the company monthly or yearly. Make a detailed list of your responsibilities and compare these to people you know that are making more money than you are. Be firm, do not imply you will quit if you don't get the raise, but be very clear that you expect the raise because of the work you do.

First, know your market value. That should be the minimum you settle for in a salary or contract negotiation. Naturally, you also need to know the money value of the benefits you receive. Second, think of a number below which you would quit. Even if you would not quit if you do not get a raise, this exercise will get you in the mood for bluffing.

Check multiple salary resources - websites, salary survey results. Not just one. Also check job listings to see what ranges employers are currently offering. Pick a number closer to the AVERAGE, not just the highest one! Be prepared that your boss will do the same and show you the lowest!! Quantify your performance: what have you done to help the company grow? Increase revenue ? Decrease expenses? Prepare for pushback. Like, I can’t give you more than John; he has more experience. Or it’s not in the budget. You don’t just get a raise because you WANT one: you have to DESERVE it.

Come at it from a point of view of the value you create for the company and not looking at everyone else's pay. If other people are paid incorrectly, that doesn't mean you should too. If you don't get the raise, ask for objectives to deliver to achieve the raise.

Have the facts ready. 1. Here is the work I have done the past year or since my last increase. 2. Here is the market rate (do some homework!), and based on my work, I deserve at least this.

it is easy. Ask if you are deserving of it and let him know why.

List your accomplishments and strengths to discuss

My company does self reviews. Point out your accomplishments through this type process.

Best chance at a raise is if you kiss his/her butt. Raises are not typically based on merit. Management has their favorites and does very little to hide this fact. Nepotism is also a huge problem. Kids of upper management also end up in positions of authority with little to zero knowledge or experience. Then they are put on the fast track to executive level positions. So, I guess you can ask for a raise, but unless you are connected it will not matter.