Should I still ask for a salary raise after I had my annual job evaluation?

I just had my annual job review/evaluation yesterday and the outcome was very good. However, I didn't tell him that I was very unhappy about my salary because I was unprepared. I've been in the company for 5 years and I've always had a good annual review. Should I email or tell my boss that I want to talk about a salary increase even after my annual job evaluation.

I think it depends on your company. All the companies I've worked for, it's specifically in their policy that pay raises/evaluations happen only once annually. Unfortunately that leaves you to either look for a new job or wait another full year to plead your case.

Unfortunately most companies make it pretty difficult to negotiate salaries except when the position is first offered. From talking to some of my HR friends, it's difficult to get a huge increase annually, because even though your boss may want to give you one, it still has to pass through HR and the higher ups. It's all part of the checks and balances.

If you do have the opportunity to ask though, try this site for more ideas. About.com has always given me good ideas...
http://humanresources.about.com/od/salar...

Good luck. I think the vast majority of us are all underpaid.

Ask yourself, "Am I worth it?" Look at it from the company's point of view. Above all if you do decide to ask for a raise, do not do it by email. Set up a meeting with your boss to discuss it. Be prepared to defend yourself. Have a list of your assets to the company. If you offer some particular skill that no one else could provide, you mighthave a chance. If not, the worst thing that can happen is for your boss to say no. But be advised, this may just give your boss the incentive to look for your replacement.

The raise or salary adjustment always come after the review. You should wait for the company to give the standard 4-6% raise. And go setup a meeting with your manager, to ask him why you only get the average raise (more like inflation adjustment), and how do you improve yourself in order to get more. Because to get more raise, you have to be outstanding, for example on scale 1-5, you can't be only 3, you need to be 4 or 5. So, check your review record to see where you stand, and ask your manager how to turn the 3 into 4.

However, have you check around to see how much salary should be offered at your position with your experience? The best way is to look around to check the employment ad local and current. Maybe you are at the limit of the position, then you have to think if you need to get a manager or advancement positions.

Most company works like this, the HR will allocate certain budget for raise, then the manager will distribute among his team. Sometimes, if everyone is doing a good job, then he will average give out the raise at the same percentage. Unless you are outstanding, then there is a little chance to get more than your co-workers.