When it comes to getting a raise, you want to do everything in your power to increase your chances of success. This includes creating a well-crafted raise request email that makes a strong case for why you deserve a pay increase.
There are 3 questions we want to help you answer:
- When should I ask for a raise?
- Should I ask for a raise via email?
- How to ask for a raise via email?
We'll provide our best tips on how to write an email asking for a raise and helpful examples that will help get you started, and show how easy it is with our AI email writer, MailMaestro:
How and when should you ask for a raise?
Asking for a raise is all about timing. Choosing the right time to have this conversation with your boss is crucial. You don't want to ask for a raise when your company is going through a tough time financially or when you just started the job and haven't had a chance to prove yourself yet.
The best time to ask for a raise is when you can demonstrate that you've made valuable contributions to the company and point to specific examples of how you've helped improve the bottom line.
If you're unsure whether it's the right time to ask for a raise, consider scheduling a meeting with your boss to discuss your career goals and how you can help contribute to the company's success. This will allow you to gauge their reaction and better understand whether they're open to the idea of giving you a raise.
The most important thing to remember when asking for a raise is to be confident. You need to believe that you deserve the raise and be able to explain why. This isn't the time to be modest or self-deprecating. Remember your accomplishments and successes over the past year (or years), and be prepared to list them in detail.
It can be daunting to ask your boss for a raise. Still, following these tips and using the sample email templates below, you can confidently request a meeting with your manager to discuss your compensation.
Don't worry about getting stuck on the writing, as we'll cover the basics and provide you with plenty of examples of how to pitch yourself in this article:
7 Signs it's time to ask for a raise:
Before you dive into the conversation about a pay raise, it's essential to ensure the timing is right. Here are seven factors that indicate it's the opportune moment to ask for a raise:
1. Consistent high performance
Highlight specific instances where you've exceeded expectations or gone above and beyond your role. Compile data that demonstrates your impact on the team's success. Don't rely solely on vague self-assessment. Use quantifiable data and feedback to substantiate your performance claims.
2. Increased responsibilities
Have you taken on additional tasks or responsibilities beyond your job description? This demonstrates your willingness to contribute more and warrants a higher compensation. However, avoid overstating your responsibilities or implying that you're overwhelmed. Focus on the value you've added, not just the volume of tasks.
3. Market research
Research not only industry standards but also factors like your experience, skills, and the cost of living in your location. Use reliable sources to back up your findings. Make sure to avoid using irrelevant or outdated sources.
4. Positive feedback
If your supervisors and colleagues consistently praise your work, it indicates that you're making a significant impact on the team, making a raise more justifiable.
5. Project milestones
Provide a detailed account of your involvement in successful projects, showcasing your leadership or significant contributions. Avoid taking undue credit for team successes. Clearly outline your specific role and how it contributed to the overall project outcome.
6. Longevity
If you've been with the company for a considerable amount of time without a salary adjustment, it's reasonable to discuss a raise. Highlight your growth within the company, but don’t base your request solely on your tenure. Focus on your value and accomplishments during your time with the company.
7. Company performance
If the organization is performing well financially, it's more likely that they have the resources to provide raises to deserving employees. Gather information about the company's financial health, recent achievements, and any public information about its profitability. Ensure you have accurate and up-to-date information before using it as a basis for negotiation.
How to request a raise
When asking for a raise, be direct and honest about what you're looking for. State your case clearly and provide specific examples of accomplishments to support your request. If you're unsure what salary range to ask for, do some research online or talk to friends in similar roles to get an idea of what you should earn.
It's also important to be aware of your company's policy on raises. Some companies only give out raises during performance reviews. In contrast, others may be more open to giving raises as needed. If you're unsure of your company's policy, it's always best to check with HR before making your request.
Be proactive in your approach; instead of just asking for a raise, ask what you can to earn one. This shows that you're not just looking for more money but also willing to put in the extra work to earn it.
Finally, be prepared to negotiate. Your boss may not be able to give you the same raise you're asking for. Still, they may be open to other forms of compensation, such as additional vacation days or a flexible work schedule. By being willing to compromise, you're more likely to end up with an outcome that satisfies your aspirations.
When should you ask for a raise?
You'll want to be concise and direct when it comes to the actual request. Clearly state why you feel you deserve a raise and back up your claim with examples of your recent accomplishments.
If possible, try to put a dollar amount on what you're hoping to earn. For instance, you might say, "I would like to receive a raise of $2000 per year."
Don't wait for your yearly review to ask for a raise. If you feel like you deserve one, asking sooner is no harm. It may even be to your advantage. Just try not to ask during traditionally busy periods or just before the holidays.
If you just started at your job or recently received a promotion, it's probably too soon to ask for more money. The same goes if you have yet to meet or exceed the expectations of your role.
However, it is perfectly reasonable to set a timetable with your boss, complete with goals to hit, for when you will next discuss salary.
Why asking for a raise matters:
Asking for a pay raise is not just about getting more money; it's about aligning your compensation with the value you provide to your organization. Here are a few reasons why asking for a raise is important:
- Recognition of Growth: When you receive a raise, it's a validation of your growth and accomplishments within the company. It's an acknowledgment that your efforts haven't gone unnoticed.
- Financial Well-being: A higher salary directly impacts your financial well-being. It can provide you with the means to meet your financial goals, whether that's paying off debts, saving for the future, or enjoying life's luxuries.
- Boosted Confidence: Successfully negotiating a raise can boost your self-confidence and make you feel more valued and respected as an employee.
- Market Value Alignment: The job market evolves, and your salary should reflect the current value of your skills and experience. Regular pay raises help you stay in line with industry standards.
Should I ask for a raise via email?
Asking for a raise via email is a perfectly acceptable way to start the conversation with your boss - as long as you do it the right way.
The idea that all requests for a raise should be made in person is outdated. In today's workplace, people are frequently communicating via email, so it only makes sense to use this method to ask for a raise
If you're working remotely or in a different city than your boss, asking for a raise over email might be your only option.
Rather than just asking for the money upfront, ask for an opportunity to discuss your salary, so you can present your case and negotiate in person.
Asking for a raise is similar to email pitching, so our guide on the basics of pitching could help you out.
How to write an email asking for a raise
When it comes to writing an email asking for a raise, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Tailoring your email to your specific situation and relationship with your boss is key. To make it easier for you, we've put together some tips for writing your raise request email.
Tips on how to ask for a raise in an email
When you're ready to ask for a raise via email, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Keep it short and to the point
No one wants to read a long, drawn-out email asking for more money. Get straight to the point by explaining why you deserve a raise and how much you would like to earn.
Use specific examples and data
General statements like "I work hard" or "I'm worth more" won't cut it. You need to back up your request with specific examples of your accomplishments and how they've benefited the company. If you have any data to support your case, include that.
Politely state your request
Be polite and humble in your email asking for a raise. Remember, you're essentially asking your boss for more money, so it's crucial to maintain a respectful tone throughout the email. Don't get discouraged if you don't receive the response you were hoping for. Remember, it never hurts to ask. The worst your boss can say is no. And even if they say no, you can use that as an opportunity to discuss what you need to do to earn a raise in the future.
Do's and don'ts of asking for a raise via email
Keep the following in mind when drafting an email asking for a raise.
Do
- Research your worth. Know the average salary for your position and ensure you're in line with that before asking for a raise. This will help you know how much to ask for and give you the confidence to back up your request.
- Keep it short and sweet. No one wants to read a novel. Get to the point and be clear about what you're asking for.
- Be professional. This is not the time to get emotional or guilt your boss into giving you more money. Stick to the facts and logically present your case.
- Follow up with a meeting. Once you've sent your email, follow up with a meeting to discuss the raise further. This will allow you to elaborate on your points and answer any questions they may have.
- Be prepared to negotiate. If your boss can't give you the exact amount you asked for, be ready to deal until you reach an agreement that works for both of you. Remember that compromise is vital in any negotiation.
Don't
- Send an email when you're angry. If you're feeling emotions like anger, frustration, or disappointment, it's best to wait until you've cooled down before hitting send. You don't want those emotions to cloud your message or come across as disrespectful.
- Make threats. This will only worsen things and could damage your relationship with your boss.
- Forget to say thank you. Regardless of the conversation's outcome, constantly express your appreciation for their time.
If you want to improve your email writing skills, check out our guide on how to write better emails.
Asking for a raise email format
The basic structure of a raise request email consists of three parts: subject line, body and the ending. You can use the samples we provide below to format an email correctly.
And here's our handy guide on email formats, with more examples, if needed.
1. Subject lines for a raise email
When it comes to the subject line of your email, be direct.
Something like "Request for a meeting to discuss salary" lets your boss know exactly what you're emailing about and sets the tone for the conversation.
If you're worried about how your boss will react to your request, you can try a more neutral subject line like "Can we schedule a meeting?" or "I have a question for you."
Here are some other examples of subject lines you can use.
- Request for a meeting to discuss salary
- Can we schedule an appointment?
- I have a question for you
- I would like to discuss my salary
- Do you have time for a chat about my compensation?
- Can we talk about my pay?
2. What to include in the raise request email body
When asking for a raise, you'll want to include three critical pieces of information in the body of your email:
- Your accomplishments: Outline your successes and how you've contributed to the company. Use specific examples and data points to back up your case.
- The market value: Do some research to determine what other people in your role are making. This will help you build a case for why you deserve a raise.
- Your ask: Be specific about how much more you would like to be paid per year or per hour.
3. How to end the pay raise email
Ending your email on a positive and proactive note is vital. Always include a call to action, such as asking for a meeting to discuss your request further. Thank your boss for their time and let them know that you're looking forward to hearing from them soon.
Here are a few examples of how you might end your email.
- I would appreciate a meeting to discuss this further. Thank you for your time and consideration.
- I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you for taking the time to discuss this with me
- Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you about my request.
Sample email asking for a raise
Drafting an email asking for a raise requires the same thought and effort as if you were to sit down with your boss and have a conversation about it. You must make sure you state your case clearly and provide specific examples of why you deserve a raise.
If you're unsure where to start on how to word an email asking for a raise, we've created a few raise request email samples that you can use as the starting point for your raise request.
1. Sample email for raise
Here is an example of an email requesting a meeting to discuss a raise.
2. Sample email requesting a raise
Here's another sample for a bit more casual yet confident approach.
3. Sample email to ask for a raise
If you'd prefer to include your entire salary raise request as part of the email, you can do so with a longer message. Here's a sample email asking for a raise.
4. Asking for raise email sample
If you want to get more specific about your asking, include a proposed salary or title change in the email. Here's an example.
Asking for a raise email template
Having a template as a guide can help you put together your own email asking for a raise. Here's a simple template you can use as a starting point.
How to ask for raise using MailMaestro
MailMaestro is an AI writing assistant that turns your instructions into ready-to-send emails and messages.
Our Chrome extension covers the email format, capitalization, grammar, spelling, punctuation. In other words, you can focus on the message, and MailMaestro will take care of the delivery.
We dare to claim that it's the easiest way to ask for a raise through email. Our email template collection features dozens of templates to help you. To grasp how easy and fast it is to ask for a raise with MailMaestro, check out the raise request email example below:
Getting the raise you deserve
Asking for a raise by email is rarely a comfortable thing. But if you've been with a company for a while and feel like you're being paid below your worth, it's time to have that important discussion with your boss.
Sending an email asking for a raise is something that most professionals will have to do at some point, so don't worry. Having uncomfortable conversations is a skill that you can practise.
If you get the raise you want, always remember to say thank you. This will show your boss that you're appreciative and help to solidify the positive relationship between the two of you. Here's our guide to saying thank you over email and 100 examples to ensure you find the best fit for your needs.
Now that you know how to ask for a raise email, get out there and put your new skills into action!
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