Here’s a question to ponder – why do we get so clammed up when an interviewer and potential boss asks for our salary expectation?

The much hated interview question will pave the way for your salary for the next few years and if you don’t nail it, you’ll be chasing your tail constantly. It may seem like an awkward conversation you’d like to avoid, but the reality is that nobody is going to come knock on your door and hand you that raise. Now that you’ve psyched yourself up to go and get a raise, know that this is the best time of year to ask for one. Heather Monahan, chief revenue officer at the Beasley Media Group told Pop Sugar there are multiple reasons why the pre-festive season is the best time to ask. Firstly it makes sense. “Budgets are being solidified for 2017 right now and if your increase is not factored into the new budgets you will have another year to wait to get your increase considered,” says Monahan. Secondly, most employees wait until year-end reviews to ask for their raise so asking now beats the competition. Finally, the end of the year is a fantastic time to reflect on your performance from the year and share you growth plan and strategy for the year ahead. When asking for a raise, Monahan advises that you do it in person. It’s much harder for an employer to say no. The personal contact will also make it much easier for you to gauge the body language of your boss.