Having a job already lined up is the best strategy, but if you are capable ofbyour skills and sure you can find another very quickly you need to not sign the current paperwork. Tell them you feel you deserve a merit increase because...whatever the fuck it is. Have a big list of why or why nots. If multiple people do the same job or title as you you need to tell them why you are the shit vs others. Dont knock your other coworkers just highlight how you shine. Ask for a bit more than you originally wanted. If they want to keep you theyll 'discuss' this in the background. Dont let them tell you some bullshit about being 'capped' out. If they want to keep you theyll invent a new notherfucking title for you. Good luck