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Conventional wisdom says that before asking for a raise, you should send your boss a list of your achievements. Fact is, that strategy only works with a boss who is eager to reward competence. Alas, some bosses aren't. Subordinates who achieve too much may intimidate them, and it may make them look bad in comparison. And for other bosses, friendship is a hot button. You need to decide which kind of boss you have so you can take the correct approach when asking for a raise.
What You Could Do Today
Figure out what's most likely to motivate your boss to give you a raise. For example, if your boss is afraid of being upstaged, list what you've done to make your unit (read, "the boss") look good. If your boss just wants to be liked and you can stand a little apple-polishing, make extra efforts to be chummy with him or her. Then, at the moment of maximum chumminess, hit him or her up for the raise.
