<prompt> Human: I just had a stellar performance review. My manager loves me and wants me to keep up the excellent work. Last year, my manager gave me a raise without me even asking for it. However, this year, there was no mention of such during my performance review. I have significantly better skills this year than I did last year and I feel I deserve a raise. I feel a 10 raise would be perfect, though I likely wouldnt get this based on my companys compensation policies. However, Id be satisfied with 5. I would love some tips as far as how to go about doing this. How has rpersonalfinance gone about asking for a raise? For what its worth, I work as a systems administrator in corporate IT for a software development company. I believe budget talks begin around the beginning of the fourth quarter.  <response>: Does your company have a policy on compensation review? Most company Ive worked for has one post annual review or end of year review. If your company does, follow that guideline.If they dont, simply go to your boss after your review for you, now, and bring up the subject of raises. Be up front, say you hope for a 10 raise and see what he said. Dont be disappointed if you dont get a raise. If you are underpay, you should know what your pay grade is. Otherwise, itll be at the discretion of the company. 