Before you ask for an increase in salary give some thought to your tactics.
Try to determine what your job is worth. Ask friends in similar positions what they earn. Check the job advertisements in newspapers and magazines, and consult any professional organisations you belong to. Make allowances for factors that could affect your salary: your geographical location, your education (an advanced degree may be worth more money), the number of people you supervise and the budget or work for which you are responsible (salary is usually commensurate with responsibility).
Always ask for slightly more money than you think you can get. You'll allow your employers to feel they've saved money by giving you slightly less, and you'll probably end up being offered more or less what you wanted. You may even get what you ask for.
Time your request wisely. Obviously your chances are better after you've had some kind of success or when the company is doing well; certainly not when it's doing poorly. (Although, surprisingly, many people have received big increases during shake-ups, when a company was anxious to keep things stabilised and didn't want to lose valuable employees.) If a performance review shows that your work has improved, take it as an opportunity to ask for extra compensation.
Sometimes it is better to take on a new project and wait to ask for a rise until after you've completed it successfully.
If a rise is less than you want, ask for a review in 6 months time. If possible, set goals which, when met, will entitle you to the increase.
