Getting a raise in today’s Economy is not the easiest thing in the world but there are some things you can do to increase your chances. To get more money, you must create value for your employer. No employer is going to give extra money for the same performance. You must give them a reason to give you a raise. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, but here are five of the best:

Expand Your Skill Set

This is the quickest, easiest way to work yourself towards a raise. If you work in a particular department, take some time to learn to do something new. Get manuals from other departments and start to learn extra skills that can benefit your employer. Expanding your skills adds value for your employer, and provides a basis to pay you more money. The extra time it takes is a good investment in your future.

Improve Your Skill Sets

While learning a new skill can be a quick route to a raise, becoming more proficient at your current job can do it just as quickly. Have you maximized the skills of your current job position? If the answer is no then maybe you should review your skills in your own department. Look at the top performers in your department. Do they have any skills that you lack? Try to be honest with your self-assessment, as this can help you to gain a raise faster. If you do not see your weaknesses, then you have zero chance of improving upon them.

Work Extra Hours

While many jobs refuse to give overtime, there are still a number of companies that welcome it. If your company does allow you to work extra hours, this is the quickest way to get an instant raise. When you work over 40 hours, you get paid time and a half. This rate of pay is more than enough motivation to stay a little later. Over time, your employer will likely tire of paying this elevated rate. At that point, they often will consider a raise instead.

Ask For That Raise!

Many times, people are in line for a raise and do not even know it. If you have gone more than 90 days without a raise or review, then you need to go and ask for one. Explain to your employer that you wish to earn more money, and that you are willing to work for it. Ask your employer, if they have anything that you can do or learn to get a raise over the next 60 days.

The number one step to getting a raise is learning to be proactive. Do not wait on your employer to simply offer up one. If you do, you will likely be waiting for a very long time. Take the time to earn your raise, and then insist upon being paid what you’re worth. Most employers would welcome having an employee that is willing to go over and beyond.