Feeling overworked and underpaid?

It turns out that you're not alone.

In Greater London, almost 39 per cent of people think they deserve a salary increase.

That equates to around £8,000 on top of their current salary. 

Burnt-out workers also want 9.8 more days off work. 

The majority of workers would prefer more pay to extra holiday, however.

CV writing specialists Purple CV surveyed 2,500 British workers to find out what they think about the industries they are in.

Lawyers think they deserve the lowest pay rise, at 30 per cent, while charity workers want 32.2 per cent more pay.

Bankers asked for 41.43 per cent more money on top of what they currently earn.

But it was those in the tech industry who think they deserve the highest pay rise at 57.69 per cent more money.

So how easy is it to ask for more money? Here's some tips.

Timing
Pick the right time to approach your employer. Chances are they are more likely to say no if you don’t pre-warn them first. Set up a meeting and let them know what you would like to discuss in advance, it will give both you and them time to prepare.

Research Market Value
Know your industry and find out your value before asking for a pay rise. Spend some time looking into how much others in similar roles are earning.

Build your case
Employers are going to ask why you deserve the pay rise, so make sure you come to the meeting prepared with examples of where you have exceeded company expectations.

The power of silence
Don’t be too tempted to just accept their first offer; it would be appropriate to say you will get back to them.

Wrap it up
You may not always get the answer you want, but remember ‘no’ doesn’t always mean there isn’t potential for it to be brought up again at later date.

Andrew Arkley, director of Purple CV, said: "It may seem an intimidating process to ask for a pay rise – even if we really want one.

"It’s all about approaching the situation with credible and objective reasons behind your request, maximising the chance for your employer to see your value as an employee.

"If the answer is no, then don’t let it get you down - you have ‘planted’ the seed for future opportunities and discussions."