7 questions to ask yourself before gunning for a raise

• Asking for a raise is notoriously nerve-racking. So it helps to be as prepared as possible.
• Below is a series of questions you'll want to ask yourself before petitioning your boss for more money.
• Those questions focus on timing, job performance history, and other potential perks to negotiate.

Asking for a raise isn't something you want to botch. It's one thing to prepare thoroughly and still not get the salary you want - it's another to wing it and wind up convincing your boss that you're delusional, or nervy.

Before you head for the hot seat, it helps to ask yourself a few questions, about things like your job performance and your boss' constraints. Your answers to these questions will help guide the conversation, so you have a better shot at impressing your boss - and hopefully getting what you want and deserve.