Labor Day is all about getting treated fairly in the office. After all, every good worker is entitled to a decent paycheck, especially if they have a college degree. So, if you know you are doing a good job, it might be time to ask your boss for a raise. If you play your cards right, you might be surprised by how easy it is to get more money.

It’s an unfortunate fact that layoffs are a constant reality of our workforce these days. Still, that doesn’t mean that you should put your own needs on hold just because the economy isn’t cooperating. Companies are constantly attempting to maximize their profits by reducing salaries, which also means that you might be doing enough work for two people without even knowing it! If you know you’re working hard, this gives you a lot of bargaining power at the negotiating table. So, where should you get started? Here are some tips to help you get the most money from your company:

• Timing is everything. Don’t ask your boss for a raise without making sure YOU know why you deserve it. Make a list of all your accomplishments and job responsibilities that you can show your boss.
• Are you in demand? Despite the recession, professions like nursing and engineering desperately need more workers. If you know that your employers need a lot more of you, chances are that you’re a very valuable employee.
• Talk in your employer’s language. Companies are all about profit. So, show your boss how much business you’re bringing in and how much money you’re saving them by being good at your job.
• Put everything in writing. This is a great way to show your boss what you’ve actually been up to. Make two columns: in the left column, write down the job responsibilities that you were originally hired to perform. In the right column, write down these same duties PLUS any additional tasks that you’ve been doing.
• Know how much you’re worth. It’s always good idea to be in the loop about how much money your peers make at a competing company.

Remember, a raise isn’t always guaranteed. Employers are more willing to offer more money for a promotion or a new position than they are for an existing employee. If this is the case with your boss, you still have some options left!

• Propose that you receive a salary review in a couple of months and then suggest a promotion that would reflect any additional responsibilities that you have taken on.
• Set goals for yourself…and let your boss know when you have achieved them. Offer to achieve these goals, such as bringing in a new client to your company, in exchange for a commission if you succeed.
• Negotiate for better benefits, such as more vacation time or a more flexible work schedule
• Ask about any incentive programs that the company offers

Remember these final three tips to boost your confidence:

• You’re costly to replace! While nobody is completely indispensable, it’s a huge hassle to find your replacement and make sure he or she is properly trained
• If you’ve managed to survive a layoff, chances are that you’re one of the strongest performers in the company
• Your boss wants to be competitive and run a successful business. If employees aren’t being paid enough, they risk lowering morale and productivity.

Of course, it’s never a good idea to take a threatening approach to asking for more money, no matter how deserving you think you are. By taking a gentle, yet firm, approach, you may also get more respect in the office, even if you don’t get that raise!