What is the best, most effective way to ask for a raise?

Being direct, showing your accomplishment, using data and being polite

Hello! This is a great question and is one that many people are asking right now. Continue to do your research and gather as much data as you can. Depending on your role, you can search for accurate pay info on the Bureau of Labor Statistics site. Once you feel confident in the information you have obtained, think about your level of responsibility at the organization and your recent accomplishments. It might help to write them down for the past few years. The next step is to ask for a meeting with your boss, it can be helpful to have a scheduled conversation so they feel more prepared to have a sit down with you. Present the wage data and why you believe you should receive the raise and give your manager an opportunity to respond, now or later. Managers would typically much rather work with their high achieving employees who ask to be considered for a raise versus someone who gave their resignation and says "I need this amount or I am out", so that is something to think about if you are looking for jobs elsewhere. Hope that is helpful and good luck! :)