Mirror Jobs NORTHERN IRELAND: Learning to earn your true worth; HOW TO MAKE THAT PAY RISE HAPPEN.

DAVID Beckham, Robbie Williams, Beyonce, Julia Roberts and Colin Farrell all have one thing in common - they know exactly how much they're worth.

Over-paid, under-worked celebrities like these know that in order to be successful they must be able to command exuberant fees in exchange for their talent.

And at the end of the day - real life is not much different.

There's no point getting stuck in a dead-end job doing the same thing every day for the same pay if it doesn't make you happy.

Most people once given that initial kick in the behind will motivate themselves to look for their dream job and think about getting out of that rut.

But if you don't know what you're worth - what's the point?

When it comes to negotiating a pay rise most people get "pay rise panic" - so here's MJOBS and New Woman magazine's top tips.

KNOW YOUR WORTH

THE best way to argue for a salary increase is to show your skills and experience could command a higher salary somewhere else.

Most bosses are happy to pay market salaries. The easiest way of establishing this is to make discreet inquiries within your own company and with contacts doing similar jobs to yours, says Stelios Hajiloannou, founder of easyJet.

It's also important to keep checking recruitment ads, if you seem to be getting less than the going rate, you have every right to ask for a raise.

DO YOU DESERVE MORE?

HELEN Webb, head of corporate human resources at Marks & Spencer, says it's important to make notes of how beneficial you are to the company before you arrange a meeting with your manager.

She added: "Take evidence with you to show that you deserve the pay rise and be prepared to talk about it confidently."

THE RIGHT TIME

TIMING is often the most important thing when it comes to asking for a pay rise according to David Fairhurst, human resources director at Tesco.

He said: "Don't approach your boss when he or she is busy with other issues. A good time is after you have been praised for something."

It's also very important to book this time with your boss, don't spring a conversation on them - they do not like surprises, especially ones about money.

Don't go into your meeting with one thing on your mind, use the time wisely and get your employer's feedback on your work.

Once you're through the door, and it's important not to get into an argument, no matter what is said do not let your boss see you reacting badly to anything they have said.

They may tell you they need time to think about it and will probably want to check figures or information with human resources or higher management.

If this is the case you need to be firm and ask them straight when you should expect a decision. Don't let fear let you down, being nervous can stop you getting your point across, so practise what you are going to say.

LEARN TO HAGGLE

"ALL bosses are human, some haggling may do the trick," says Stelios, adding: "Start by asking for the biggest rise you can defend, so if you feel you deserve a seven per cent rise ask for 10 - that way you can be beaten down to seven."

If you're still unhappy - think of the bigger picture, look at staff benefits, bonus schemes, expenses and other perks of the job.

NEGOTIATION SUICIDE

DON'T tell your boss you are miserable with what you are getting. Find a positive way of expressing how you feel.

Don't link your proposed pay rise to asking for more responsibility. This is about what you already do and deserve not what you might do in the future. Don't let your boss know how much you want before the meeting.

Don't blackmail your boss by implying you'll leave if you don't get it - they may decide to call your bluff.

WHAT IF YOUR BOSS

SAYS NO?

TRY not to take the huff like a spoiled child if you don't get what you want - try asking for positive feedback as to why and ask what you can do to qualify for more money. It may be something that is easily rectified - don't burn your bridges.

tina.calder@ mgn.co.ukGOOD VALUE:

Robbie Williams and Beyonce