Time your request carefully. If business is slow, or a big contract is up in the air, consider putting off your request until financial conditions are more settled.

Ask for a raise when your employer is in a good mood. Psychologists have shown that happy bosses are more likely to say yes.

2torial #0488: Learn2 Negotiate a Raise Be firm but flexible When you finally sit down with your boss to talk numbers, it's critical that you adopt the right tone. You don't want to sound like you're begging--after all, you're theoretically asking for only what you deserve. On the other hand, you should not be confrontational. No one likes to be bullied, employers included. Consider the following rules of thumb: Be an educator: During the first round of negotiations, think of yourself as neither enemy nor supplicant, but educator. Simply assume your boss isn't aware how valuable you are, or what salaries people like you command. By avoiding confrontation, you'll keep the channels of communication open, even if your request is turned down. Don't issue threats: Should you tell your boss you have another job offer, or threaten to quite if your demands are not met? The short answer: no. Employers want workers who like their job and want to stay. If you're threatening to leave, they might show you to the door. If your overtures are turned down multiple times and you're totally prepared to pull up stakes, then perhaps you should consider a tactfully worded ultimatum. Just remember: this is a last resort. Step 7