Note special accomplishments and particular victories. Quantify improvements where you can. This is absolutely basic, but it's amazing how few people actually do it. Sometimes people don't want to put the boss on the spot, or run the risk of being turned down. But if you don't ask, everybody thinks you're satisfied.
Research shows that women ask for raises even less frequently than men.
Though they think they're worth a raise, they wonder if they're worthy of one. But if you put your request in non-threatening terms, the worst that will happen is that you won't get your increase . . . More often than not this both breaks the ice and leads toward a friendly conversation about your compensation. Get out the tape recorder and practice speaking your piece. Say the words over and over again until you're satisfied with the way you sound on the tape.