Money is a subject that nobody really likes to talk about too much. It’s just uncomfortable, don’t you find? Having said that, not being paid what you’re worth is just as uncomfortable.

When it comes to negotiating a pay rise, you could be forgiven for shying away, and considering the task too difficult.

What if they say no? What if I think I’m better at my job than they do?

These are all common worries, but at the end of the day, provided you can back up your plan with solid facts, then what’s the worse than can happen? If you don’t ask, you don’t get!

That being said, there is a certain approach you need to take when it comes to that fateful meeting, and a few things that you need to bear in mind, before you go all gung-ho.

Here’s a few pointers, to hopefully help you on your way.

Get involved

If you have in mind that you are wanting more financial gain for your role, it’s always worth trying to showcase your talents a little more in the time before you put forward your suggestion. If there are any projects you can get more involved in, do it, and if there is any overtime opportunity, take it! Shine like the star you are.

Arrange an appointment

Instead of just breezing into your boss’ office on a Monday morning, without giving them prior warning, book an appointment through their secretary in good time. This shows that you’re serious about your proposal, and is also good manners. Starting on the right foot is highly important.

Preparation is key

Gather your facts and put together a solid proposal. For instance, is there a particular project you feel you contributed to, above and beyond your usual role? Or is there an idea you put forward that put in motion a money saving scheme for the company? Anything that you feel warrants your pay to be upped, put it together in a document, outlining why you believe you should be on more money than you are.

Sell yourself

This isn’t the easiest thing for most people, but it really is a case of boasting about your assets, in the most delicate of ways. It’s a hard thing to do, but once you strike the right balance, it’s very effective. Put forward your strengths, don’t mention your weaknesses, and explain politely why you believe you should be on a higher wage. Put forward your document of reasons, as we talked about above, and end your speech explaining that you know you are working for a company that values their employees, so you are hoping that they will see your proposal in a positive light. This shows that you believe you are working for a fair company, which is always better than threatening to leave!

Attitude is everything

There is the saying that manners cost nothing, and there is nothing truer in life. This is especially pertinent when discussing such a delicate matter as this, because barging in, bragging about your talents and threatening to leave if you don’t get what you want, isn’t going to get you what you want. Politely but firmly putting your point across, giving them evidence to back up your suggestions, and leaving them to discuss it, is more likely to get you a positive outcome.

Good luck!