Requesting a raise is a professional step, and approaching it through email requires a carefully constructed message. A written request provides a formal record and allows your manager time to consider your case. This guide will walk you through writing a persuasive email that clearly articulates your value and justifies your request for a salary increase.
Preparing to Ask for a Raise
Before drafting your email, preparation is needed to build a strong case. The timing of your request can influence its reception. Ideal moments include a formal performance review, after completing a major project, or when you have taken on new responsibilities. Aligning your request with positive company performance or a recent personal achievement is also advantageous.
A part of your preparation involves documenting your accomplishments. Focus on quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact, such as revenue generated, costs saved, or efficiency improvements. For instance, you might note that you “increased team productivity by 15% by implementing a new project management software.”
With your achievements documented, the next step is to research your market value. Understanding the salary range for your role, experience, and location is important for setting a reasonable expectation. Websites like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and LinkedIn Salary provide benchmarks to help you anchor your desired salary in objective, industry-wide data.
Key Components of a Raise Request Email
A Clear and Professional Subject Line
The subject line is the first thing your manager will see, so it must be direct and professional. Avoid vague or clever titles. Opt for clear phrasing like, “Salary Discussion,” “Request for Salary Review,” or “Following Up on Performance Review.” Including your name, such as “Salary Discussion – [Your Name],” adds clarity.
A Direct and Positive Opening
Your opening should be respectful and direct. Begin with a polite salutation and a positive statement about your role or appreciation for your opportunities at the company. Following this, clearly state the purpose of your email. For example, you could write, “I am writing to formally request a review of my current salary.”
The Body Paragraphs Highlighting Your Value
This section is where you present your case. Use a few short paragraphs to detail your most impactful contributions since your last salary review, using the quantifiable data you prepared. Instead of just stating you’ve taken on more work, describe the nature of those responsibilities and the positive outcomes they produced. Focus on how your efforts have benefited the team, department, or the company’s bottom line, demonstrating your growing value to the organization.
The Specific Ask and Call to Action
After presenting your case, clearly state what you are asking for. You can propose a specific new salary, a salary range, or a percentage increase. For example, “Based on my contributions and research into market rates for similar roles, I would like to request my salary be increased to [Desired Salary].”
Conclude with a call to action by requesting a meeting to discuss the matter further. You could write, “I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this with you. Please let me know what time would be convenient for you next week.”
A Professional Closing
End your email with a professional closing such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Respectfully.” Follow the closing with your typed name.
What to Avoid in Your Email
When crafting your request, it is important to know what to exclude. Your request should be a business case based on your performance and market value, not an emotional appeal. The foundation of your request must be your professional merit and contributions.
Avoid the following:
- Using emotional language or expressing frustration.
- Issuing ultimatums or threatening to leave if your request is not met.
- Complaining about your workload or how busy you are; focus on positive results.
- Making comparisons to your coworkers’ salaries or workloads.
- Citing personal financial needs as justification for a raise.
Sample Email Template
You can adapt this template to fit your specific circumstances and accomplishments.
Subject: Salary Discussion – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to formally request a meeting to discuss my compensation. I am proud of my contributions as [Your Position] over the past [Time Period, e.g., year, quarter], and I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow with the team.
Over the last [Time Period], I have focused on adding value to the company and have achieved results in several areas. For example, I [Specific Accomplishment with Metric, e.g., led the team that increased sales in Q3 by 12%] and [Second Accomplishment with Metric, e.g., streamlined our reporting process, which reduced administrative time by 8 hours per week]. I have also taken on additional responsibilities, such as [Mention new responsibility, e.g., training new hires].
Based on these contributions and my research on current market rates for similar roles, I believe a salary adjustment is warranted. My research indicates that a salary of [Desired Salary or Range] is reflective of my experience and performance.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this with you further. Please let me know when would be a good time to meet.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
What to Do After Sending the Email
After sending the email, be patient. Your manager may need time to review your request, consult with HR, and consider the budget. Avoid sending multiple follow-up messages in a short period.
If you have not received a response within a week, it is appropriate to send a brief, polite follow-up email. You could write, “Just wanted to follow up on my email from last week regarding a salary discussion. Please let me know when you might have a moment to connect.”
Be prepared for the conversation that follows. Whether your manager agrees, offers a smaller increase, or declines, be ready to discuss the topic professionally.