Get a Raise Right Now!

Do some salary sleuthing.Ask your contacts about money too, saying, "In your experience, what would be a fair salary for someone at my level?" This way, you can suss out a competitive range without point-blank asking what they make, which might turn people off. You can also find out a lot by simply Goggling the position and salary. Be sure to find out what the guys at your level are making, so you don't low ball your expectations. (Yes, women still make only 77 cents for every dollar men make.)

Create your dream package.A negotiation isn't just about your paycheck. It's about a mix of things that will help you be successful: an expense account, a company car, a paid cell phone or laptop, a day per week working from home, more staff, or additional vacation time. Packaging gives your boss options. If she can't give you more in salary, other things on your list may be doable for her. If you go in asking only for a salary bump and get a no, you've blown your chance. To go back again with other ideas will make you seem unprepared…or worse, annoying.

Get inside your boss' head.Know what goals she faces in the coming year. If she's tasked with growing sales by 10 percent, what skills can you offer to help meet tha
t goal? To find out what she's looking for, talk to peers as well as a mentor or colleague who's at least three to five years older than you. Use LinkedIn to ask a common connection to introduce you to someone in your organization or one like it.

Be confident in your request.Different jobs will require you to vary your approach when you negotiate, but always stick to your problem-solving mind-set. Say, "I understand what the company is trying to achieve, and I can help you meet those goals. Here's what I need in order to do that." Don't be afraid to end with, "If we can reach an agreement on the package, I'm ready to get to work." That way, your boss knows exactly what she needs to do to close the deal and check this off her list.