Using time as a reason: Salary increases are not issued because of how long you have been employed; they are issued to reward exceptional performance and contribution to a team or organisation more widely. Using time as your rationale for why you should receive greater remuneration probably will not give the outcome you are hoping for.

Comparing yourself to your colleagues: This argument does not define how you have specifically improved or contributed. Without knowing how individual salaries are determined or any personal negotiations underway, it is best to keep colleagues outside of this conversation.

Being irrational: Asking for a salary increase is a personal and often sensitive venture, where emotions can take over and lead to irrational requests, or even threats. Remember to be calm and confident, as you would in any other professional engagement or meeting. If you’ve done your research and can make a compelling case, you have little to worry about.