Trying to raise the point to an employer that you are deserving of an increase in salary can be a nervous experience for employees.  However if you feel that your salary is below market value then allow yourself the best possible opportunity to underpin your credentials by being  be prepared with the following list of items for when the time comes to discuss the issue with your boss.

1. A salary survey.

It is important that you do not come across as being greedy during a salary review instead explain to your boss in a friendly manner” in my research other candidates in the industry with the same amount of experience are earning 10% above my current salary so I would seek an increase to reflect my true worth to the company.” Your boss will be impressed that you have researched the marketplace and have put across reasonable logic for your requested raise.

2. Job specs off job-sites.

Similarly to the salary survey if your boss queries why you seek a certain amount you can produce job specs from job sites for jobs that mirror your experience and have higher salaries than your own. Explain to your boss that “while I am very happy here, in advance of this meeting, I researched open jobs that seek candidates with my experience and found that the salaries advertised to be considerably higher than mine.” Your manager will appreciate your reasons for seeking an increase and should reward you rather than fear losing you to the jobs that you have found.

3. Talk about the impact of your achievements in the company.

A salary review is time for you to not only talk about the targets you have reached or milestones reached it is about the overall impact those achievements had on the company. When discussing your achievements do so in a modest fashion rather than with a cocky attitude. A good example of the type of statement that would benefit your cause would be, “the project of which I was manager finished on time, within budget and to the clients satisfaction. This project is worth $50k and given the relationship that I have fostered with the client I am confident of regular future business with them, and that is why I am seeking a 10% salary increase.”

It is worth bearing in mind that you should not go into your review meeting and put the salary survey and job specs on the table, just keep them in your jacket pocket until you feel the need to introduce them, you may be pleasantly surprised your boss may have been planning to give you a raise anyway.