So many of us go throughout our working lives, wanting to be paid a little more than we actually are. The problem for many is they don’t have the skills or the confidence to knock on their boss’s door and ask for more. Many fall into the lull of waiting for a raise to come naturally, which means waiting; most of the time for a long time.

The barriers that stand in our way are multiple and very reliant on intricate human interactions. Some people go about it the wrong way with a sense of entitlement, even though they may be completely in the right. Keeping a lid on your emotions, and having a clear level head, doesn’t come naturally to everyone.

When you want to change something in the workplace, whether it’s for you, or the floor and your colleagues, you need a tactical approach to communicating with managers and other superiors. 

Get your ducks in line

It would be foolish to ask for a raise when you haven’t been working at the company for very long. Therefore, make sure you have a decent amount of years under your belt, so you’re not immediately dismissed for being greedy.

However, sometimes your work ethic subsides a number of years you’ve been working, because an employee that works twice as hard, is worth more than the average staff member.

Check your company policy, and see if you’re due for a raise anyway before you jump the gun. Speak to the HR department to see if your pay is in line with the industry average, and if it’s not, you could have a viable case against your employer. 

It’s like chess

You should approach negotiation as a game of chess because if you come into the office, thinking you’re asking for too much, or that you’re subservient to your employer, you discredit your position before you’ve sat down. It might be a great idea to book yourself in for negotiation skills training.

This kind, of course, will help you to understand the common misconceptions about negotiation and understand as well as recognize the shifting underlying phases during the process.

You’ll gain key skills in self-control over your temperament which helps to think clearly on your feet. Crucially, you’ll learn how to position yourself advantageously when you know the counterparty is more powerful than yourself.

Don’t sell yourself short

To break the ice, many people use self-deprecating humor to highlight shortfalls in their character and seem more human. During negotiation where you’re asking your employer for more money, you should be doing the opposite.

Highlight the positive effects you’ve had on their business and the skills and traits that make you better than the other employees. Demonstrate the accomplishments you’ve made and the value you add to the role and responsibilities.

Identify the ways you’ve earned the company money, increased the awareness and recognition of the company. Be proud of your achievements in yourself, because seasoned employers will spot a good acting routine. Be confident in the words you’re saying and don’t let self-doubt steer you away from your opening position.

There’s a history of employers and employees coming into conflict when it comes to asking for a raise. But, it should never be thought of as extortion or not within your rights.

Being greedy is one thing, and demanding to be paid the correct amount for what you’re worth is another. Back up your arguments with cold hard facts, but don’t come across as smug. Highlight your usefulness and drive to achieve more for the business.

This post has been contributed by Ryan Gatt, it may contain affiliate links.