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The dynamic for a woman requesting a raise will be different depending on whether the boss or supervisor is a man or woman, in most cases. But the process is the same, namely that you need to really know your boss in order to know how best to approach her or him. Pay attention to how the boss interacts with other employees and how she interacts with you. Get a sense of whether the boss prefers a more formal relationship with employees or is open to something more informal. Once you get a good sense of how to get the best response out of your boss, you need to be clear with yourself as to whether and why you deserve that raise.

You will need to be very specific about your accomplishments and the quality of the work you do every day. If you have done anything innovative, been a self-starter, and a good team member, helping others when needed, that's an important aspect of your presentation. The other aspect that is important in selling your boss on a raise is to make a case for your positive influence on the department through your everyday attitude, your cheerfulness, and habit of cooperation with your coworkers. In other words, as much as possible you want to impress upon your boss your value as an employee on every level of your job performance.

As a woman, you need to be able to come across as assertive and not aggressive. In our culture, unfortunately, women can still be labeled as "bitchy" or "angry" for behavior that would be considered assertive in a man. Projecting a sense of self-confidence and self-worth, an aura of value to the company, should work very well for you. Do not base your request for a raise on financial need. That is not the boss's problem and people do not get raises based on need. They get raises based on performance and value to the company. Be able to demonstrate that you have performed above expectations and are a value to the company and you will get your raise.

Learn more about this author, Bob Trowbridge.
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