Asking for a pay rise is often a hard subject to broach for working women. Here are some tips on how to get what you want.

If you suspected that you were worth more than you were being paid, what would you do about it? The most obvious solution would be to check your facts then ask for a pay rise, but many women find asking for more very difficult. Which could go some way towards explaining the continuing discrepancy in pay between the sexes.

Performance coach Claire Patrick maintains that it's largely due to the fact that we're wired differently from men. 'Women see themselves as lucky rather than deserving when things go right. Their levels of self-esteem tend to be lower so they feel less confident about asking for a rise than their male counterparts.' Her advice is to behave as if you were sure you deserved it. As with so many situations, a firm belief in your worth makes others believe in you too.

The starting point has got to be thorough research. Not only will that boost your confidence, it will give you the hard facts to put in front of your boss.

Part 1 - prepare

• Brush up on company pay policy. This will give you details of how remuneration is decided and the normal methods for awarding rises. You need to understand the company criteria for extra reward before you can make a case for yourself.
• Know the reasons why you deserve a rise. Good ones are, having taken on extra responsibilities, having contributed to the company's success, obtaining new qualifications or developing a particular expertise. It's not enough just to list these, you need to provide proof of how you've added value.
• Investigate comparative salaries offered for similar jobs. Look at what other employers are paying or by checking the going rate, using job ads for your type of work in your locality. Check if you would have a good chance of getting a job with the sort of salary you're equating yourself to. Your boss may call your bluff and say go for it!

Part 2 - time

Once you've done all that, you need to get the timing right. Martin King, Business Development Director, of the REaD Group says: 'Employers do not appreciate someone just knocking on the door unannounced and asking for a pay rise. The issue should be addressed in a review. If you are not due one for some time, put the choice straight into your employer's hands and ask for one sooner. They will respect you for this as it's looking at your whole development not just the money side.'

Don't waste all your preparation by catching your boss at a bad time. If both of you are well prepared for this discussion it's easier to have a calm, rational look at what can be quite an emotive issue. Don't assume your boss will automatically oppose you. Tell yourself they will be pleased you've taken the time to bring your potential to their attention, so you can work better together and maximise your contribution to the organisation.

Part 3 - execute

Ken Mann, Marketing and Communications Manager of Experian, advises choosing a time of day when you know you will be intellectually sharp. 'Set the tone by providing a summary of how you view your performance. Work down the list of your significant achievements as if you're describing what you do to a prospective employer. Don't exaggerate. If anyone can spot an exaggeration, it's your boss. If the manager agrees with your assessment, then you have made it easier for him or her to justify a pay increase. If your manager doesn't agree, then life becomes more interesting.'

Sarah Thomas, European Business Development Manager for the Recruitment Company Office Team, regularly delivers presentations on how to ask for a pay rise. She stresses the importance of preparation and timing and warns against being emotional or confrontational. 'Never back your boss into a corner by threatening to leave. It has a good chance of backfiring.' Paul Wilson, Managing Director of Michael Page International, cautions, 'Never use personal reasons - demanding an increase because a colleague has just had one is unprofessional and not the way to secure a positive response.

Go in believing you will come out with what you want but be prepared to compromise. There may be factors you are unaware of that make it difficult for the company to award a pay rise. Work out a fallback position. Are there other things that would be as valuable to you as more cash - extra holidays, training, or more flexible working arrangements, for example? Don't see this as win or lose; it's more of a give and take situation.