It really depends on your employer. You need to understand a bit about how your boss works and the current position he/she is in. 1. Find out (loosely) if your

It really depends on your employer. You need to understand a bit about how your boss works and the current position he/she is in. 1. Find out (loosely) if your employer can afford the raise you're looking for. Nothing worse than putting your boss in a position where he/she can't actually help you. 2. ALWAYS give your employer a 1 page document detailing why you're looking for a raise. No need to talk about your cancerous dog, but certainly talk about your achievements, your worth and your vision for yourself in a 'more senior' position. 3. Give a number you're looking for. Don't just ask for a raise or your employer will give you maybe 2K more per year and you'll feel ripped off. And then, if you complain then he/she will feel hurt. 4. Be positive. Be truthful. Your employer wants to hear that you love your job. Your employer wants to hear that you want to take on more responsibility. They'll respond well to that. I did this with my last employer and was able to secure a $25k raise. YMMV