The new year is a time when many of us evaluate our lives, including our personal goals and career objectives. Money usually enters that equation as a means to support those aspirations, plus it’s a great feeling to look at your paycheck and feel valued. But the truth is, not everyone believes their take-home pay reflects their value-add. If this sounds familiar, 2022 is the year to reach for your worth, whether it’s by asking for a raise or by negotiating a new job’s salary.

Know your market rate

Before looking for a new job or asking for a raise, it’s critical to know what you’re worth. So first things first: find a benchmark. Sites like Monster and Glassdoor have tools to calculate roughly what you should be making based on your position, industry, location, and years of experience. You can also find a salary range for the position—handy for negotiations.

When you have to provide a salary…

The dreaded “What are your salary expectations?” is a trap! If you answer this with a concrete number—say, $75,000—the best scenario is you’ll be offered the job at asking and not a penny more, while the worst scenario is you’ll immediately be disqualified for a too-high request, especially early in the hiring process. It’s better to offer a range of what others in a similar field and position are making, which will look more palatable to hiring managers and will give you more flexibility around an offer. When you have to provide a number on an application, consider asking your screeners if you’re in range.

Hold out for the second (or third) offer

Studies consistently show that most new hires accept the first salary they are offered. Even though it doesn’t always feel worth it to push for numbers in a stressful and intimidating environment, especially if you’re concerned about rejection or being seen as greedy, but know that the first offer is rarely the best offer and may even be a lowball. Take heart that the people on the other side of the offer table are likely just as “excited” (sarcasm, sarcasm) to talk about money as you are. So when you’re presented with a salary offer, try this: quietly restate the offer and then count to 10 in your head. Silence tends to make people uncomfortable, which means they could start talking to fill the gap. And this could lead to a better offer straight away or justifications that could lead to further negotiations. Either way, it gives everyone a moment to consider.

Time your request for a raise

Most companies have a cycle to their fiscal year, and that cycle includes a window for performance reviews and raises. When you ask for a raise, you’re far more likely to be considered if you ask just before that window opens. Also remember all the factors that need to be considered—your performance review matters, but the company and department budgets also matter. This year’s budget may be tapped out!

Armed with market research, negotiation skills, and some calculated timing, make 2022 the year you look at your paycheck with the satisfaction you deserve!