2torial #0488: Learn2 Negotiate a Raise Assess your own job performance If you want a raise, you need to prove you're worth the extra money. That means you must take a long, hard and honest look at what you do for the company. And remember, working overtime isn't enough--you need actually to accomplish something during those extra hours. Rather than thinking about how hard you're working, consider what you're actually getting done. And don't neglect the less obvious ways you're "adding value" to the company. Consider the following: Quantity: Do you produce more widgets than you're expected to? More than your fellow employees? More than the industry average? Quality: Are your widgets better than the average widget? If so, how does this benefit the company? Does it attract more clients? Or save company resources (i.e. supervisory time)? Additional tasks: The workplace is dynamic, and we're often expected to perform tasks other than those we were originally hired to do. Keep track of all the various tasks you perform at work--your employer may not realize you're the one picking up the slack. Additional responsibilities: Have you taken on any supervisory functions for which you were not originally hired? List projects you have you taken official or unofficial charge of, ensuring they're done well and/or on time. Conserving company resources: Ask yourself whether you've streamlined production--and production costs--and/or steered your employer clear of unnecessary expenditures. Step 3