It can be a tricky proposition asking for a pay raise, especially when it’s your first time.

Your future depends on it and you know it. Your mind is clouded with thoughts and most probably you are nervous. The best thing you can do to avoid this trauma is to be prepared for it. Here are some steps that you should go through before asking for that raise.

1) Before you go forward with this and talk to your boss, ask yourself whether or not you really deserve the raise. What have you done to deserve it? If you are certain that you have done enough, move on to the next step.

2) Note down all your past accomplishments on a note-pad. Go through them and you would feel more confident. It’s also useful to have this list just in case your boss asks you about it.

3) Go through the list once again and review everything you have written on it. Then develop each case. Think about your part in that project and what you did to contribute - did you inspire others or help? How many extra hours did you put in? Were you more committed towards the work than what was asked of you?

4) Think about your future with the company. Are you happy working here or are you looking for a change? Mull over your long term goals and that of the company. Do they fit in together? Managers prefer keeping their existing employees happy than hiring new ones to replace them as it requires considerable amount of training and exposure. Don’t say it out loud but just remember it when you talk with your boss. Emphasise on how the company would benefit from having you on the rolls in coming years.

5) So you have evaluated your performance and know what you are worth. Now, think about what you really want from the meeting. Set targets, but try to keep them real. Do some research, look at competitor’s websites about salaries that someone with your experience and in your position would get. Don’t ask for something you could settle for, but instead, ask for something you would really want. It will give you scope to bargain just in case you need to settle.

6) Don’t approach your boss if the company is not doing too well, pick the right time. If there is a demand for your role, you are in luck, as it gives you an advantage in the deliberation. But again, don’t say it out in the open as you would like to cash in on those loyalty points too. Make an appointment with your boss to talk in private.

7) Dress for the occasion - sharp and charming. Wear a smile and be confident. Meet your boss in person and tell him how much you enjoy working here. Be enthusiastic about it. Slowly lead into your accomplishments and then ask for a raise.

8) If the boss agrees with you and says ‘Yes’...voila! Congratulations! Well done mate. Thank him and just to be on the safe side of things, ask him for it in written (an e-mail might work as well). Follow it up after some time if he hasn’t already got to it.

However, if the answer was ‘No’, don’t let it show up on your face. Talk to him about what you could do to improve and set aside a time in future, say 6 months after, when you can come back and have the conversation over again. Don’t forget to thank him for his time and opinion. Be polite. However, if you boss needs time to think about it, politely ask him when you could get back to him for it. Remind him in a few days through an email.

9) Follow up on the progress via email. Be persistent as it reflects how much you want it, but don’t overdo it.

10) If you have tried all you could and you have been persuading him for quite a while, then probably you should try changing your work routine - take on more responsibility and help out others with their work. Make sure it is noticed. If even this doesn’t work, then probably you should explore other options and start looking through classifieds.

Even when you are ready for stress and you know what to expect, you can’t be ready for everything. Asking for a pay raise comes with many consequences. Think it over carefully before you pursue it and be ready for changes!