Experts reveal the secret to getting a pay rise in 2018
Beat the back-to-work blues by negotiating a pay-boost at your current job with these tips
THERE can be nothing worse than coming back to the office in January.
Christmas is over, your bank balance is feeling the strain, and you've got no holidays booked.
No wonder then, at this time of year lots of people begin to look for a new job and get themselves on the right career path.
But what if you're in the right job but could kick-start 2018 with a much-needed pay raise?
It can be a difficult subject to bring up with your boss but if you do it in the right way, you could get a tidy boost to your monthly pay-check.
The Sun Online has teamed up with some leading experts to find-out the best way to get raise.
Don't be afraid to ask
"It's an old saying but if you don't ask you don't get," says REED recruitment expert Mark Rhodes.
"If you've decided it's time for a salary bump, the best thing to do is seize the initiative and ask for one."
Let's face it - your company isn't likely to offer you a pay rise just because it can - so you need to take the bull by the horns.
But there are ways to do this - don't just demand one over the first cup of coffee on a Monday morning.
Book some time in with your manager, telling them you want to speak about your performance - your annual review is another good time to bring it up.
Then, when the time is right, bring the possibility of a pay-bump up.
Do your research
If you want to show your boss you're serious about a pay rise, you need to do a bit of groundwork.
Compare your salary against other similar jobs being advertised so you know what the going-rate for your job is.
What if your pay rise request is rejected?
It can be disheartening if your bosses can't or won't give you the money you're after.
But how you react to the set-back can put you in a good place for the future.
Steve Thomson of Forward Role Recruitment said: "The way you handle it will say a lot about your character and your manager will be looking out for your reaction.
"Arguing back isn't going to change anything.
"Tell them that you understand and ask for the reasons behind their decision.
"If it's about issues with your performance, show your commitment to improving by making a performance plan with your bosses, so you can get that all important yes next time."
And of course, it's about selling yourself and what you bring to the company.
Have a couple of examples ready of recent projects - ideally from the last six months - or of work you've done that has been successful to show them what you bring to your job.
Andy Sumner, managing director, of Monster Jobs, says: "The stronger the case you can present the better your chances of getting what you want.
"Use every possible advantage to help weight your case, including any recent achievements or additional training, qualifications or skills you have gained."
Take on more responsibility
You won't get something for nothing, so the meeting is a good opportunity to show that you're ready to take on more responsibilities too.
Mr Rhodes says: "It's unrealistic to think you'll be given a pay rise for nothing.
"Most bosses will expect to see something in return - so be prepared to accept more responsibility."
In the months before the meeting it's a good idea to show you can make the most of your time at work by being more productive and spending your down-time working on new projects.
Don't be nervous about selling yourself - having the confidence to say what you think you are worth and why will help impress your boss.
Aim high - but don't be silly
Remember this is a negotiation so always ask for more than you would expect to get - but don't go overboard and price yourself out of a raise.
"Make sure you don't go in ridiculously high or you'll end up being seen as naive or greedy," Mr Sumner says.
"Ask to be kept up-to-date with your request and be prepared to fight your corner but don't overdo it.
"Most companies will work hard to keep good employees but if the cash you want is not available see if there are any other benefits they can offer you."
It's also worth remembering that if you don't get given the pay rise it might not be down to your performance.
How the business is doing and if it can afford to give you a raise will also be factors.
More on money
Get a new job
If worst comes to the worst and your request is rejected and you still feel you're underpaid, then it might be time to look for a new job.
Brushing-up your CV, speaking to specialist recruiters, and researching your potential new roles can all help you land that dream role.
To help you prepare for the interview, again, you'll need to do your research.
Find out what the company does, what its plans are for the future and how you can be a part of it.
Practice answering questions you are likely to be asked and always prepare a couple of questions to ask your potential new employers too.
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