do when you stay in a job. Unless, of course, you are promoted. It is not too early to raise the issue of a pay rise with your manager. You can ask what the process is and flag that you will be preparing a written request for a pay review. Your written request should include your achievements over the past year, any tasks you have taken on in addition to what you get paid for -- and any research you can find on pay rates for your role. Please, can I have more? Asking for a pay rise fills many people with dread. I've heard many times: "But my manager knows what I do, why should I have to ask for a pay rise?'' My answer: "Because you want a pay rise.'' I've been reading a new book, How To Get A Pay Rise by Medine Simmons and Merryl Naughton (Hardie Grant Books). They fill a couple of pages with excuses from people who want a pay rise but don't want to ask. Managers are too busy doing their own work to note down all of your achievements. Be your own best advocate and document why you deserve a pay rise. Your boss will need to justify your pay rise to his/her boss so documented reasons will make this easier. Items for the pitch include added responsibilities or managing extra people. Maybe during the downturn people left and you ended up with their workload. Look at the duties in your