Career experts share their best tips on how to ask for a payrise Tip #1: Keep the personal stuff out of the conversation. Want a payrise? Follow these tips from career experts Dress the part. Wear your best suit and come prepared Never talk about your personal situation THE first rule of asking for a payrise: be prepared to be told 'no'. That's the advice of career expert Kate Southam who told news.com.au that you can never be too prepared or too ready to accept alternatives to more money in your back pocket. Make sure you are ready to hear that there is no more money. If that happens, you need to come back with a firm and proactive reply," Ms Southam said. You should say something like, 'Absolutely but could we look at me doing that project development course we talked about. Or could I have your permission to ask again in another six months,'" she said. Dr John Demartini agrees. The American workplace productivity expert currently in Australia presenting his Financial Independence Conference said your preparation for asking for a payrise must always include demonstrating your value to the company. The worst mistake you can make is to frame the discussion as all about you and your needs. Come to the table with a strong understanding of the business and how much your value contributes to the end goal. If you show you care about the business the boss can't help but be impressed," Dr Demartini said. Tip #2: Don't ambush your boss. Send an email to flag what you want to discuss. Start with your job description. Go through it with a fine tooth comb and make a list of the additional tasks and responsibilities you have taken on. Address your questions in terms of the value of the decision maker (ie the chief financial controller) and keep in mind that their first priority is growing the business. "Explain how you will be of benefit to the company as time goes on and give examples ways you can do more using fewer resources," Dr Demartini said. Timing is essential. Dr Demartini said the best chances you have is to work out when the payrise season. If you don't know when that is it's definitely OK to ask. And when you do finally meet make sure you keep the conversation flowing in the right direction. Keep all your ducks in a row. Start by talking about how much you are worth, how much you cost and how much you can contribute before you launch into the question about money," he said. Tip #3: Do your homework. Work out what you are worth to the business. Other important dos and don'ts Don't mention your personal situation. Never ask for a payrise because you are buying a house or having financial difficulties. The company does not want or need to know this. Dress the part of the job you want, not the job you have. You need to look professional and serious. In other words, don't turn up to the meeting in jeans and a t-shirt. Be organised. Give your boss time to think over your proposal before you meet. Send an email beforehand outlining what you'd like to discuss. Don't ambush them for a 'yes' or 'no' answer out of the blue. Come prepared. Bring a list of courses you'd like to do as an alternative to a payrise. This shows your willingness for self-improvement and interest in contributing to the productivity of the company no matter what. Want more information on this topic? Catch Dr John Demartini on his website and follow: @KateSoutham.