Courtsey someecards.com

Want a raise? Then it’s time to compile your awesome file. As corny as it may sound, you need to make a case for yourself if you’re angling for a raise, and that case had better amount to more than a red-faced ultimatum based on what you “feel” you deserve. Before going into a salary negotiation, put together the following:

A Salary Comparison: Use sites like Salary.com and PayScale to figure out how your salary compares to other professionals with similar jobs in your region.

The Awesome File: It’s nobody’s job but your own to document your workplace successes. Write down how you’ve met and exceeded your employer’s expectations. Assign quantifiable numbers to those achievements as often as you can. And, don’t forget to dig up all the emails and reviews you’ve received praising your performance on the job.

A Game Plan: Know what it is you’re asking for. Do you want a 10% raise, an extra week of vacation, tuition reimbursement or a four-day work week? Are you willing to expand your workplace responsibilities to justify a substantial raise? You may have to give a little to get a little.

Need more advice on how to get paid what you’re worth? Check out Mahalo’s Guide to Asking for (and Getting) a Raise.

Image courtesy someecards.com.