People often want to know how to get a raise. My first response is find a good time. A potentially good time is:
o You’ve just received great public kudos for your work.
o Headhunters are pursuing you with job offers.
o The company is doing well financially and getting a lot of positive press.
o The labor market in your specialty is tight, and your department is understaffed.
o Your boss is in a good mood because of recent success.
o Another division of the company has asked you about your availability.
o The budget for next year is about to be set.
Don’t bother asking for a raise if your work is mediocre, even if your peers are making more than you. Don’t do it if the company is experiencing tough times (that is, cutting jobs, trimming budgets, suffering declines in the stock price).
