You know what you want–here's how to get it.

You know this is your moment. You've bided your time, minded your Ps and Qs, and you're just waiting for your boss to realize and recognize all your hard work with the raise that you so richly deserve.

The trouble is, you're realizing that you might have to actually prompt him or her for it. Here are five things to consider when you think it's time to ask about getting a raise and you want your boss to up your compensation.

Remember: it's easy as ABC.

A: Achievement. Show your value, what you've done for the company, your excellent performance.

B: Brand. Yours and the company's, and how they fit together, how you are invaluable to the company and everybody knows it.

C: Campaign. Have as much support as possible. If your colleagues think you deserve a raise, chances are your boss will too.

Look to the future.

It's all well and good to say: here's what I've done for you so far. But go the extra mile and show what you still have in you to do, and why that should be worth more to your boss. Make your ongoing personal career development crucial and connected to the development of your company. And keep the conversation on the great things you can achieve working together.

Be prepared.

That said, it's also important to have a clear outline of what you have achieved, and what your accomplishments have been so far. Show your boss that you've consistently gone above and beyond your job and salary parameters, and have gotten the results. Be prepared also to make your case and still not get the answer you are looking for.

Do your homework.

Don't go in there asking for a 25% pay bump when you know the company is making cuts and no one has gotten more than a 5% raise in the past five years. Do know your value, based on what you've done and how you're situated to do even more. Be realistic about what you can ask for in the current climate of your company. Have a precise and reasonable range in mind. Your boss will appreciate this level of attention to what's possible, and your ability to compromise.

Be confident.

Do so even if you don't get the raise. If you've done the necessary preparation and have a clear picture of your worth and achievements in your head, it's still cause to celebrate. It means you and your boss know exactly what you're worth. This doesn't mean be arrogant, but do enjoy the new perspective on your unique position and worth within the company.

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Note: This article originally appeared in TheJobNetwork

Photo credit: OTA photos/Flickr

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