When and how to ask for a raise

Why do want this raise?
-     Is it because you took the job at a lower salary than you originally wanted and now you would like to make up for lost income?  If this is the case, you will likely not succeed at your quest. Once you accept a salary for a position, it becomes irrelevant what you wanted.  Salary increases are never based on the fact that you took a pay cut off the top.
-     Is it because you had a very good performance evaluation?  This is a great boost in confidence, bit the fact is, you are expected to come to work and do a good job, so merely performing your duties well is not cause for a raise, you are already being paid to do a good job.
-     Is it because you can show examples of your achievements and of how you have benefited the company above and beyond what they required in the job description? Now you’re getting somewhere.  If you’ve kept a running record of your achievements and you have several examples of superior performance, you have a case for a raise.

Timing is everything
- Never ask for a raise during a performance evaluation.  You risk getting a less than impressive evaluation the next time, for fear you will ask for a raise again.  These are two separate discussions and should be kept that way.  The performance evaluation is your employer’s opportunity to speak.  The conversation about a raise is yours.  Employers do not expect to have to reward you for doing your job.  Your salary is your reward.
- Following your favorable performance evaluation, pick a time when you have at least one more example of achievement that has happened since the evaluation.  This way, you are armed with a convincing case.  You are basing your request on tangible examples of your worth, and the evaluation provides supportive evidence.
- Mind your boss’ schedule.  Be careful and try picking a time when the stress in his world is at a low point.

Know what you want
- Be realistic and don’t ask for an amount that greatly surpasses the going rate for the same job elsewhere.  Do your research and be prepared to back up your request with facts and stats.  These facts and stats should have nothing to do with your living expenses.  This is not your boss’ problem.  Do not let it get personal.
- Be prepared to accept less than you are asking for.  Negotiation is an unfortunate reality that you must take into consideration.  You will likely be offered less than you are asking for, so start by asking for a little bit more than you really want.
- Consider alternate compensation. If a raise is out of the question, have a back-up plan which could include additional paid vacation, or sick days. 

Now that you’ve made a compelling case, you need to give your employer adequate time to think about it.  Set up a subsequent meeting right away, and follow-up.  You will likely have to be the proactive party.  Good luck!