Let's face it, it's easier to start a new job and negotiate a good starting salary than to ask for a raise in your current job.
Let's face it, it's easier to start a new job and negotiate a good starting salary than to ask for a raise in your current job. The reasons are many, from just the basic awkwardness of asking for more money, to the matter of ego where you think your boss and company should realise your worth and give you a raise without your asking for one. 
We have news for you -- if you don't ask for it, chances are that either you won't get it or you'll get the mandatory 5 to 10 per cent hike. The best way to ask for a raise is to schedule a meeting with your boss and be direct, but for those who would rather avoid this, here some hints to drop around your boss:
Coffee talk
You could initiate a discussion during your coffee break or around the water cooler when your boss is in hearing distance. Bring up the topic of how employees should be appraised on a regular basis and the raise given should be on performance basis. Throw in a few percentage points depending on what manner of raise will satisfy you.
Blow your horn
When a client gives you a good testimonial or your colleagues have sent you a positive email thanking you for your co-operation on a project, make sure your boss comes to know of it. Even putting him in 'cc or bcc' as you reply to the person who has appreciated you, will get the message across that you are a deserving employee and he will bear it in mind when the topic of annual raise comes up.
Seek feedback
Make it a regular habit to ask your boss for a feedback on your job. You should ask him for a review of your work and suggestions of how you could improve or work better. Employers appreciate employees who are willing to improve and work innovatively. Besides, if he has given you a positive feedback himself, and in case you are later called for an appraisal meeting, you can quote him.
Step up
Don't wait to get a raise to increase the responsibilities you are willing to shoulder around the office. You should try and go 'above and beyond' your expected job profile. When your boss comments on your initiative taking, you can casually mention that you are sure that it will be justly rewarded in the future.
Whine occasionally
While we really do not endorse this, it seems to work for some! Whining about the rising cost of living, inflation, salary scales in other companies, may finally reach your bosses ear and he may just consider a pay scale revision or a dearness allowance. The main thing to remember while hinting or asking for a raise is 'Do you deserve it?' and 'Could you be easily replaced by the company?' The answers to these two questions will play a big role in getting a satisfactory raise. A note of caution, never even hint or threaten to quit if you don't get a raise -- you may just find yourself seeking new employment!
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