Nobody likes going in to ask the boss for a raise, but everyone likes getting one! Unfortunately, sometimes the only way to get the boss to hike your pay is to go in and ask. This can be a bit stressful and awkward, but here’s 8 tips you can use to make asking easier and better your chances of getting that well deserved pay increase.

1. Be Prepared. You can’t just burst into your bosses office demanding a raise - you need a plan of action. List all the projects you‘ve completed since your last pay increase. Make note of how successful they have been and how they’ve increased productivity or saved the company money. If you’ve accrued any new job skills make a list of those too. Also write down any special skills or knowledge you bring to the job. Find out what the typical raise or salary is for someone in your position. Go in ready with the facts and it will be hard for your boss to argue with you!

2. Always ask for more than you really want. It’s the bosses first instinct to negotiate and he or she will inevitable try to talk you down. By asking for a bit more than what you really want then you might end up getting what you really wanted in the first place! If they say yes at your first price then you’ve got a bonus!

3. Anticipate to negotiate. Maybe three other people got raises this week or your coming is going through a slow down. It may not be feasible to grant your wish for a raise so you need to be flexible on this and have your alternate strategy prepare ahead of time. You may want to try other ways of getting a raise too, such as additional vacation time, employee perks or more time off. All of these can be just as good (if not better!) than an actual amount of money.

4. Select your time wisely. Avoid choosing a Monday or Friday because that’s typically when bosses are at their busiest. According to studies, people are most receptive after lunch on Tuesday or Wednesday. At any rate, try to select a time when your boss will have a few spare minutes and won’t be distracted with other things. If you’re afraid of being interrupted during your request, ask to speak to your supervisor for a few minutes after hours.

5. Don’t get upset of yell if your boss objects to your raise at first. After all, you are being paid to do a certain job, and now you’re asking for more money to do the same job. Be professional and polite at all times, and listen more than demand. Chances are, if your supervisor doesn’t award you a raise, they might hint at what else could be done to earn it. If they don’t, don’t be afraid to ask what steps would be necessary to “prove yourself”.

6. Don’t threaten to quit if you don’t get what you want. He may just call your bluff and let you go!

7. Be confident and get straight to the point. No beating around the bush. Just come right out and state your facts and reasons you think you deserve a raise. If you have “Thank You” notes from customers or letters from the company praising you for a job well done, bring those to your meeting as well, as they’ll help to cement your request and remind your supervisor of your role within the company and its progress.

8. Don’t compare yourself to coworkers or talk about them negatively. This will only make you look bad in the bosses eyes.

Now, the next time you think you deserve a raise you can gather your facts and go in there confidently and professionally and ask for what you deserve.

Lee Dobbins write on many topics. Please visit her site on Moving where you can find more articles on moving, finding a job, selling your house and more.