Today you’re going to learn how to negotiate a higher salary.

In this economy, everyone needs a pay raise. The problem is, how do you go about asking for one? Below are 15 tips you might want to consider. These are divided into 3 categories. The first 5 are making sure you deserve one. The second 5 will help you in asking one at the right time. And the last five are all about psyching yourself up (arguably the hardest).

How To Negotiate a Higher Salary:

1. No Tardiness/Very Minimal Absence

Never give your employer a reason to say no. The easiest way to say no is to tell you that regardless of your performance, your tardiness and absences are a real concern. That buys your employer anywhere between 3 months to 1 year.

2. Know Your Job and Perform It Exceedingly Well

What are your duties and responsibilities? Make sure you actually perform all of them, and you do it effectively and efficiently.

3. Over and Above the Line of Duty

Regardless of your actual duties, when someone asks for a volunteer, or for over me, you say yes. You need to show your boss that you are a team player!

4. Present the Facts (Work actually done vis a vis your salary)

Your request must be in writing. Include in your request that you are willing to discuss the same verbally. Pinpoint what you have actually done for your boss, and how much it ended up saving money or making money.

SEE ALSO: How To Rest Your Brain While You Work: 15 Tips To Keep Your Mind Fresh

5. Be Relevant and Visible

There are plenty of deserving employees who do not get a raise because the boss simply does not know they’re there. Avoid over preening yourself, but it does not hurt to show your office that you actually matter.

6. Be Reasonable

A raise is a gradual step, and usually has a cap per increase. Of course there are exceptions to this rule, but you need to expect the general rule. Let your boss know that you are willing to work within the system, but to expect another request at the soonest possible time.

7. Read Your Contract, When Is the Evaluation?

Regular evaluations happen a couple of mes per year. You need to score above average to actually get a raise. If you are not sure how you stand, then try to work double time

8. How Is the Business Doing?

Regardless of how good you are, if the business is not doing okay, then you will not get a raise. This is because your employer cannot afford it.

9. Give Your Employer Options

If a raise is not a possibility, then request for flexi- me, lesser work hours, and the go signal to seek part time employment.

10. In Writing

Every substantial agreement must be in writing. This way, both of you are clear on the terms, and you have proof of the same.

11. Make Sure You Deserve One

Before asking for a raise, you need to be ask yourself “What did I do to deserve a raise?” and “What did I do not to deserve a raise?” Remember, if you are on the borderline your boss will look for an excuse to delay, diminish the amount or say no.

12. Attend a Few Job Interviews

Confidence is key in terms of asking, as well as how much to ask. If you get a few serious job oﬀers, you will know just how much your services are worth. And you will be bolder, because if worse comes to worst you can always change jobs.

SEE ALSO: How To Have Difficult Conversations At Work: 10 [Amazing] Tips

13. Get a few Offers

If another company is willing to hire you for the same or higher salary, request to get the offer in writing AND ask for a deadline for you to consider the same.

14. Wait for a Reply

More often than not, a deal breaker is an irritated boss, whom you have badgered or oﬀended by asking too often or too pointedly. Wait 15 days then subtly ask for an update. If after 2 months nothing is being done yet, then you may want to go back to step number 12, 13, then 15.

15. Consider a New Employer

If all else fails and you absolutely need the raise, then you should consider a new employer. This is especially true if the nego a ons for a raise is marked by undue delay, bad faith, and strained relations.