Set time aside. If you just walk up and ask for a raise, you will seem unprepared and come across like you do not deserve one. You do not have to give too much advance notice but do seek privacy and a time you know you will not be interrupted. For example, when you walk in to work in the morning, say: "Before you leave, I would like to speak with you."

☛ Remember, a face-to-face request is far harder to turn down than a letter or email.

☛ Try to avoid Monday, when there will be a million things to do or Friday, when your boss may already have other things on his mind.