Maybe you saw your cubicle mate’s salary in an errant email. Perhaps someone from HR left a folder by the copy machine. Or maybe you overheard a peer talking to a friend about their latest salary increase. Regardless of how you learned about your pay disparity, it can send you into a quiet rage.

“We’d like to think that we’re all on the same page when it comes to salaries, at least with the people who do the same job but that’s rarely the case,” says John Olsen, a job analyst in Baltimore, Maryland. “But the reality is that people are hired at different points of the economic cycle, different times of need and for different reasons so even if you can’t see the logic behind a coworker making more than you, it’s enough to know it’s there. Now add the reality of who is doing more or better work and it can be really defeating.”

Olson says asking for a raise to equal or surpass the salary of your coworkers is tricky but it is possible. Here are some steps to effectively make your case:

Do your research: Check the market rate for your position in your industry and geographic area on websites like Payscale, Glassdoor and LinkedIn.

Check your company’s pay policies: Find out if there’s a precedent for salary negotiations.

Honestly assess your value: Document your achievements to check your performance. Be sure to highlight specific examples when you’ve exceeded expectations. Emphasize your unique skills, certifications and experiences that differentiate you from others. List any additional responsibilities you’ve taken on or projects you’ve led successfully.

Prepare your case: Develop a clear, concise narrative that justifies why you deserve a higher salary. Make sure to emphasize your contributions and the value you bring to the company by gathering evidence like performance reviews, emails of appreciation from clients or colleagues and metrics that demonstrate your impact.

Time your request correctly: When you’re ready, request a meeting with your manager to discuss your compensation. Be professional and avoid comparing yourself directly to coworkers. Also, it helps to choose a time when you’re on an upswing. “It’s easier to say ‘I deserve more’ when things are going well,” says Olsen.

Negotiate professionally: Approach the conversation with confidence but remain humble and open to dialogue. If a pay increase isn’t possible, discuss other forms of compensation like bonuses or additional vacation days.

Keep connecting: Send a follow-up email summarizing your discussion and any agreements made after the meeting. Ask for feedback and understand what specific goals you need to achieve to warrant a raise in the future.

Tribune News Service