WITH pay review season on the horizon, and the cost of living skyrocketing, it's the time of year when workers are thinking about how to boost their bottom line.

Despite the government's calls for wage restraint, the latest ABS data showed some sectors were hiking pay at a rate beyond the 4 per cent inflation rate - so it's not unrealistic to ask for more.

But what's the best way to get more money out of the boss?

Experts say crying, threatening to quit or begging are among the worst ways to negotiate.

Show me the money

Career coach Jane Lowder, founder and senior coach of Max Coaching, said employees should prepare themselves thoroughly before pitching for a pay rise by researching what the market rates are for your position, and proving your value to the company.

One of the worst examples Ms Lowder had heard was of an employee barging into their manager's office and proclaiming: "I've been here for a long time, I deserve a pay rise". "And the manager's response was: 'What have you contributed?’" Ms Lowder said.

"It's not just based on longevity; it's not just about turning up every day."

She said preparation is crucial to getting what you're after. "It really revolves around proving your contribution to the organisation," she said.

"Obviously the best way is to consider how you might add monetary value or impact the bottom line."

With a widely acknowledged skills shortage, keeping your employees happy is crucial for bosses.

A third of more than 11,000 respondents in the CareerOne survey said they would quit their job if they didn't get the pay rise they wanted.

Keep your emotions out of it

Breaking down into tears and making an overly emotional plea for cash won't help your chances, Ms Lowder says.

"Keep it as a business discussion or transaction. Getting emotional doesn't always carry over that well," she said.

Being demanding, or threatening to quit if you don't get what you want won't win you any brownie points either.

"Holding the organisation to ransom is not a good idea," she said.

"If you do decide to leave, then there's a reputation that follows you...one of being very demanding."

Keeping an open mind and conducting a two-way conversation rather than a demand will also boost your chances, Ms Lowder says.

Discussing what else you can do to contribute to the company will also help, but make sure you time the talk appropriately.

If your manager's under the pump or trying to meet a deadline, make sure you have arrange a suitable time to for a detailed chat.

"If the organisation's just posted results that weren't as favourable as they'd hoped, or if they haven't met targets, (it's) probably not the best time to be talking pay rises," Ms Lowder said, adding there are plenty of other ways for bosses can keep workers happy besides a pay rise.

"Research shows that it's not just money that will keep people in an organisation.

"There's an awful lot more incentives they can offer for retention."

These include gym memberships, subsidising private health insurance, or offering flexible working hours and the option to work from home.

Check out the competition

Being realistic in your expectations is important, she says. By researching the market and seeing what the market rates are for your role using a salary survey, you are more likely to be clear on what to expect.

"You need to suss out the market and be aware of how many opportunities there are out there for you as alternatives.

"Again it comes down to 'do you have a niche skill and is it in high demand?' And if so, that impacts on your ability to ask for more."

Pay review checklist

• Prove your value

• Use evidence to boost your case

• Don't hold the company to ransom

• Keep emotions out of it

• Keep an open mind

• Timing is important

• Research the market

Source: By Chelsea Mes

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