Remember to ask
Women often don’t get raises because they don’t ask for them. “People are more likely to challenge their salary or raise if they’re male,” says John McKee, a business life coach and former VP of DirecTV. “Guys tell you why they should be top-paid. Women tend to accept what’s offered rather than push back. They thank you, while men tend to ask how they can get more.”

Negotiate
Men initiate negotiations four times more often than women do, according to Carnegie Mellon University economics professor Linda Babcock, PhD. And when they do negotiate, women ask for about 30 percent less than men.

Sell yourself
Keep your boss informed about your successes. “Self-promote. An update email every two weeks isn’t bragging—it’s good business,” says McKee.

Share info
“Guys talk about pay,” McKee says. “They treat it as a game.” Women may be more polite and often don’t have a clue what their colleagues earn. Adds McKee, “You’ll be surprised at how open other women are to having that conversation.”

Asking for a raise?
Timing is key. It’s best to ask when your company is doing well, before your annual review (or raises have already been decided) and after you’ve agreed to take on additional responsibility. It also helps if your boss is in a good mood.