You're a junior developer with no leverage. How can you negotiate a raise in database development?

1 Assess your skills

Before you ask for a raise, you need to know where you stand in terms of your skills, experience, and market value. You can use online tools, such as Glassdoor or Indeed, to research the average salary range for database developers in your area and industry. You can also look at job postings and compare the requirements and responsibilities with your current role. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and set realistic and fair goals for your salary.

3 Ask for feedback

Another way to prepare for a raise negotiation is to ask for feedback from your manager, peers, or clients. Feedback can help you understand your areas of improvement, as well as your areas of excellence. You can use feedback to demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow, and to highlight your achievements and recognition. You can also use feedback to align your expectations with your manager's, and to find out what they are looking for in a database developer.

4 Choose the right time

Timing is crucial when it comes to negotiating a raise. You want to choose a time when your manager is in a good mood, when the company is doing well, and when you have recently delivered a successful project or solved a major problem. You also want to avoid times when your manager is busy, stressed, or distracted, or when the company is facing budget cuts, layoffs, or crises. You can also look for opportunities to initiate a conversation, such as during a performance review, a project completion, or a new assignment.

5 Be confident and respectful

When you are ready to ask for a raise, you need to be confident and respectful. You should approach your manager with a positive and professional attitude, and express your appreciation for the opportunity and the support. You should also present your achievements and expectations clearly and concisely, and explain why you deserve a raise based on your skills, experience, and value. You should avoid comparing yourself to others, complaining about your workload, or making ultimatums or threats. You should also be prepared to negotiate and compromise, and to accept a rejection gracefully if necessary.