Initiate your own payrise

Please, sir, can I have some more?

The straightforward pitch didn't work too well for Oliver Twist in the workhouse and he was only after gruel.

What strategies have a better chance of success in getting more - pay not porridge - in today's workplace?

Advice on the best way to get the boss to bump up the pay packet is widely available with a click of an internet search, and remarkably consistent.

It can be distilled down to five key points: preparation, research, track record, timing, negotiation.

Preparation

Convince yourself that you have the right to negotiate. Rehearsing what you want to say - out loud to someone or in front of the mirror - helps get over nerves. Remind yourself that you are worth it and that if you don't ask, you don't get.

Practise talking slowly. It makes you appear more confident and helps you feel calmer. Nerves are perfectly natural but less noticeable than you think. Taking deep breaths and letting your hands hang by your side are effective methods for stopping a racing heart and trembling hands. Adopt a good attitude. A negative attitude and sending signals of dissatisfaction are counter-productive.

Brush up on company pay policy to gain details of how remuneration is decided and the normal method for awarding rises. Understand the company criteria for extra reward before make your case.

Research

Decide on your goal and fallback position beforehand. To get an idea of your worth talk to people in your industry and use salary surveys on recruitment websites. Job searches may be useful but many job ads do not include a salary. Check in with your personal and professional network, industry association and a friendly recruiter, and ask the HR department for a salary band for your role.

Track record

Make sure you keep a record of times you have gone over and above the call of duty, including working overtime, doing extra work, and solving problems. Give examples of where you have taken the initiative or extra responsibilities, contributed to the company's success, got new qualifications or developed a particular expertise.

Timing

Plan your negotiation a few months in advance. Asking for a rise on the spur of the moment can be a recipe for failure. It's easier to have a calm, rational look at what can be quite an emotive issue if both you and the boss are well prepared for the discussion. Don't assume your boss will automatically oppose you. She or he may be pleased you've taken the time to bring up your potential and ability to contribute to the organisation.

The best time to ask for your first pay rise is during your first pay review - often three to six months into a new job. Subsequently, the yearly pay review is the best time.

If a review is not due ask for one sooner. The strategy has the benefit of looking at your whole development not just the money side.

Friday afternoon is a good time to ask for a pay rise - it gives the boss time over the weekend to go over your pitch, work out how she or he will justify your increase to her or his boss, and consider whether you might leave.

Negotiation

Ask for more than you expect. It shows you mean business and makes sure you are much more likely to get what you want.

Say what you want to receive, but don't turn the discussion into a demand for money. Don't be afraid to ask about benefits such as pensions or company cars.

Body language is crucial. Maintain eye contact with your boss, not with the ceiling, window or fingernails. Don't fiddle with anything - hair, tie, jewellery, pocket change, pens. Sit up, and smile.

Dress as you want to be perceived.

Sexy is not advisable but business-like is. Dress for your next position.

Don't accept the first rejection. Remind your boss how useful you are. If your request is refused, set a date for a further salary review and ask how you could qualify, such as taking on more tasks or doing training.

Be prepared to think on your feet. You may have to adjust your demands according to the circumstances. If in doubt, play for time, using phrases such as, 'that sounds a little low' and 'I need to think about that'.

If you get what you want, make sure that you repeat what's been agreed to avoid ambiguity.

If the response to your pitch is good, for the sake of colleagues, celebrate quietly. Have a reaction plan ready for bad news. You don't want to say something you will regret. If you are willing to move jobs do it to your timetable.