Looking for a salary increase? Get creative before you ask.

What are your responsibilities and how do you measure up? Make sure you are clear about your key responsibilities and how you measure up against these on analysis. Any discrepancies between your idea and their idea of the role will go a long way in resolving any differences.

How are you performing? Once you have your job benchmarked, you and your employer should be able agree on the level of your performance. Remember that performance and proficiency are two different things. Other factors that should be included in the evaluation include teamwork, punctuality, attitude and other soft skills required. A lacking in either soft or technical skills will be reflected in a thorough evaluation.

What’s the market value of your job? Do your research. A combination of online national salary surveys and advice from your recruiter or former colleagues should give you enough information to present your case.

Where should your salary fall? Using the benchmarked job, your performance and the salary data, you need to come to an agreement of what you are worth to the company and the salary range in which you fall. You might end up with a number above or below the industry average but at least now your company will be aware of your expectations for future reviews and what you need to achieve your goal.

What about future salary increases? After you have worked out your salary increase, find out from your employer what you need to achieve to get a larger raise or promotion in the near future. Set the expectations together as this will show commitment to your employer and lead to a very positive working relationship moving forward.

Be creative with you negotiations. If your employer cannot afford or is unable to increase your salary, look to negotiate other parts of your package including stock options, vacation/ sick days, severance/ benefits, travel, flexible work schedule, reduced work hours, car, medical/ dental plan, relocation, paid parking, certification/ licenses, training, professional memberships, laptop, cell phone, internet, tuition, expense account or leisure activities.

This article was first published on Campaignjobs.asia.