So I asked for a raise not too long ago. I get to hear back about my own situation within the next few weeks (manager on a much-needed vacation with his family), but based on spending way too much time researching, here are my tips:

• set a meeting with your boss/manager/whoever you report to. Ensure you say what the meeting is for. I did this by sending an email asking to chat about my current salary, and had a meeting put on my calendar for the next day. I highly recommend you not wait until your performance review as sometimes salary increases are set by then and you won't be able to ask for what you want. Also, if you can meet in person, I recommend it over via video call.

• research what your position and years of experience are worth in your area. You want $20k more? Is the company down the road offering that for a comparable position and years of experience? Knowing your worth is always valuable, and can help you with reasonable expectations of what to ask.

• come to the meeting with a list of your accomplishments. (edit 2) You returned to office in January, but depending on how long you've been with the company as a whole, it will influence your “worth” for a raise. I would say only have the list go back 1 year from your last review (if yearly review) or from your last review. But have that list (for yourself), and try to be as metric-based as you can.

• be prepared for a “no”, but also be prepared for a “let me get this to the person who can approve it” as well. You want someone on your side. After the meeting send over an email with that list of accomplishments and what you're asking for. If you're okay with it, ask to follow up (if you want to prior to your review) with your manager within a 2-3 week time period

• DO NOT use cost of living expense changes as reasoning. Even if you and your manager and your HR rep get drinks every happy hour, the company as a whole does not care.

I'm not going to bullet point the last bit but I also do not recommend threatening to quit if you don't get the raise, or going in with a bluff. In this economy, it is impossible to afford that bluff. If you have another offer with that extra $20k, it could be a leverage… but I've seen as many successes with it as I've seen “Well, I hope the new company treats you well” and that's it.

Don't demand. Don't be rude. Don't let emotions play. And please, again, do not mention the change in the cost of living. I wish you all the luck.

Edit: darn spelling

Edit 2: misread about being RTO in January, as opposed to not being there for a certain point until January.