Look at the proposition from the side of your employer. When faced with such a proposition, your superior will ask himself the reasons you're deserving of more and whether it's feasible for the department or company to give you such. Never, or very rarely, a company gives a raise or some other compensation based on an employee's individual need.

You must be offering extensive and solid value. So, before you approach asking for a raise, think about how much you have given over the last few months or year. Securing a pay raise, yearly bonus, stock options, or more vacation isn't as easy as putting a memo into your superior, however, companies tend to be more receptive to employees who go beyond their position descriptions.

Before continuing, let's briefly review a couple of wrong reasons to ask for a raise.

First, don't request a raise in response to newly acquired financial responsibilities or debt from the purchase of a house or car. Employers are concerned about their employees; however, giving raises to those who subsequently find themselves in over their heads isn't practical. Second, don't ask for more money when you're having difficulty getting along with coworkers and authoritative figures.

Personal conflict does not constitute an increase in pay for you to stick around - and to put it bluntly, employers don't care whether you can't get along with Jane Coworker. You perform a job, and your responsibility is to perform that job to the liking and satisfaction of your employer. Unless you're in a position that can't be easily filled, avoid giving your employer an ultimatum or you'll find yourself out of a job.

CREATE A MASTER PLAN AND PORTFOLIO

When you've come to the conclusion that you need more, start by building a master plan. Mapping out specifics on why you deserve a raise and listing areas where you've done great work will help you outline the steps to obtaining a raise - and any other add-ons you're seeking. Points to include:

• Create a bulleted list of fresh achievements, incorporating numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts whenever possible. Examples of achievements include top sales/revenue generated, project finished before deadline, product or service improvements, and so on. List 5-7 top and most recognizable accomplishments.

• List added responsibilities. Focus on the last couple of years and avoid going back too far (i.e. three or more years), keeping the information fresh.

• Insert a list of recent trainings and credentials, or a degree that you've received that is ultimately benefiting your employer. For example, those who obtain a bachelor's or master's degree definitely offer more to their employers after the degree than before.

• Include copies of praising letters and emails from clients, superiors, and colleagues.

• Finally, devise a timeline. Keep in mind the record-keeping schedule of your company. For example, if asking at the start of a new fiscal year will increase your chances then pinpoint a feasible time.

Before you enter the room, take a deep breath. Preparation is the key to success.

©2005 by Teena Rose. All rights reserved.

Teena Rose is a columnist, public speaker, and certified/published resumé writer with Resumé to Referral.

She's authored several books, including 20-Minute Cover Letter Fixer and Cracking the Code to Pharmaceutical Sales