Love your job, but want more money? Here are three things you should never say when having that conversation.

Asking for a promotion and an increase can be a tricky situation if you don’t have all your facts straight. Of course everyone wants more money. A higher salary could open up many doors for you – you could start saving towards a new house, fix your car if you’ve been having problems or invest in yourself by doing a course. However, if it was as easy as just asking for more money, all of us would be earning what we want. That’s why it’s important for you to prove your worth to your manager when you have the discussion and know how best to approach the talk.

Take a look at what not to say when chatting to your manager:

Never threaten to leave 
If threatening to leave is the only way you think you could get a promotion, think again. If anything this may have a serious backlash – the aim is to get on your manager’s good side and not cause unnecessary tension. What if your boss ends up calling your bluff – what then?

Rather choose to approach the meeting in a positive way. Let your boss know that you enjoy your work and you’re interested in growing with the company. Then state your case. Talk about how you’ve contributed to the growth of the department or company and how you’ve always showed initiative, for example. Keep things professional and short.

How to: Handle salary negotiations like a pro! 

Never talk about a colleague’s salary 
If you recently found out that your colleague, who is in the same position as you are, earns more than you, don’t go on a rampage demanding to know why you two don’t earn the same. Maybe your colleague has a more advanced qualification or they’ve taken an extra course to enhance their skills. Point is, assumptions are dangerous and should not be made. 
Instead of bringing up your colleague’s salary, rather tell your boss that you’ve done some research and according to your findings, the average rate for your position is X. Then state why you think you deserve to be paid that amount and what you’ve done to earn it.

Never moan about your personal problems
Don’t moan to your manager about your personal issues. Sure they’ll sympathise with you about your child’s school fees increasing or your partner getting retrenched, but don’t make these points the focus of the discussion. 

Instead, take another approach. Talk about how your duties have increased in the last 10 months, for example, and how happy your manager was about the changes and implementations you suggested. This will help your manager see that you’re a valuable team member. If not, perhaps ask what if the two of you can work out a development plan to help you reach your goal.

Read: This is why you'll never earn more

If your manager is not open to giving you an increase or promotion any time soon or in the near future, perhaps it’s time for a change. Careers24 has 1000s of jobs from top companies. All you have to do is search, find and apply.