It's safe to say that approaching your boss and asking for a pay rise can be totally and utterly terrifying.
But with the cost of living crisis only deepening and inflation rising to a 40-year high of 9% - making sure every penny counts has never been so important and there are likely lots of people who need a higher salary.
If you're hoping to speak to your work about this, but aren't sure where to start, you're in luck as the UK's managing director of Indeed, Bill Richards, has shared the top little-known mistakes that could cut an employee short from extra cash.
Speaking with The Sun, he explained how you can transform these small little hiccups into potentially a great argument for better pay.
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Putting it simply, he set out the four mistakes: Do your research, be crucial with timing, prepare for compromise, and finally looking elsewhere.
Ahead of asking for your pay increase, Bill explained that your first crucial step should be to do your research.
By using an online salary tool - you can discover the approximate wage for your specific job title.
He explained: "Knowing regional and national salary bands will help you set the bar at the right level, and manage expectations for both you and your employer."
Without doing your research, you could sell yourself short - and, therefore, going in with figures will help your case.
The next mistake is not choosing an appropriate time to come forward to your boss as this can ultimately set yourself up for failure.
Putting it simply, the best time to ask for a pay rise is when you can have proof that you're excelling in your role.
"Where possible, think about your organisation’s recent performance, and your own performance, before knocking on your manager’s door or arranging a virtual meeting," he said.
Following on from this, the expert warns not to be afraid of compromise.
Without being a Negative Nelly, you should always prepare that you may not receive the initial answer that you're hoping for - and not all employers can match your salary expectations.
In fact, they may come forth with a compromise.
Whether this includes reduced hours or working from home, Bill said you should weigh up the options as they can impact positively in the long run.
For example, working from home will ultimately mean you're saving on travel costs.
As a final resort - and after not getting the resolution you desire - it may mean that you need to take drastic action by starting a job search of higher pay.
It may be worth moving to a sector where the salary is notably higher.
He added: "According to Indeed data, only the food preparation and service and personal care and home health industries recorded annual wage growth above the current 9% rate of consumer price inflation reported by the ONS for April.
"While at the other end of the scale professional categories like accounting and legal are recording relatively low growth.
"With an impending recession and job cuts on the horizon, moving companies may not be the safest bet in terms of job security. But if you’re willing to take the risk, and are quick about it, it could pay off."
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