Asking for a salary increase via email is a professional way to start the conversation with your manager. It’s important to consider the right time to ask for a raise. Look at your company’s finances, think about your achievements, and check your performance reviews1.
To make a strong case for a raise, collect proof of your successes and look up market rates for your job1.
Eloïse Eonnet, a Muse career coach, suggests scheduling a follow-up conversation after emailing your manager about a raise2. The best time to ask for a raise is after achieving significant business success, like landing a new client or implementing a winning strategy2.
When preparing your raise request, gather evidence of your accomplishments, big and small, within the company2. Researching salaries at other companies for similar jobs can help you negotiate a fair raise2.
When writing your promotion proposal email, be direct and honest. Give specific examples of your achievements and keep a respectful tone1. A clear subject line is key to make sure your email doesn’t get lost2.
If you don’t get a response in two weeks, it’s okay to follow up on your email2.
Key Takeaways
- Time your raise request strategically, considering company performance and your own achievements
- Prepare a strong case by gathering evidence of your accomplishments and researching market rates
- Craft a clear and respectful email, providing specific examples and maintaining a professional tone
- Follow up on your request if you don’t receive a response within two weeks
- Be prepared to discuss what you need to do to earn a raise and consider alternative benefits if denied
Understanding the Right Timing for Requesting a Raise
Timing is key when asking for a pay raise. You should check your company’s finances, think about your achievements, and look at your job performance and reviews. This helps you know the best time to ask for more money.
Evaluating Your Company’s Financial Climate
First, look at your company’s money situation. The 2025 Salary Guide From Robert Half shows salaries are going up for needed jobs3. Also, more than 70% of managers plan to use raises to keep good workers until 20253. If your company is doing well and wants to keep top talent, it’s a good time to ask for a pay raise.
Reflecting on Your Professional Achievements
The best time to ask for a raise is after you’ve achieved something big. This could be getting a new client, beating your goals, or coming up with a winning plan. About 80% of Americans think they deserve a raise, but only 60% will ask4. When you ask for a raise, show your successes and how they’ve helped the company.
Considering Your Tenure and Performance Reviews
Your time at the company and performance evaluations matter too. It’s smart to wait at least six months before asking for a raise by email5. This lets you show you’re a good fit. Also, annual reviews are a good time to talk about pay. If it’s been over a year since your last raise and you’ve been doing well, it’s time to think about your salary5.
Timing is crucial when asking for a raise. Some ideal times include after a successful project or achievement, during annual reviews, after taking on more responsibilities, when market conditions change, and considering the company’s financial health.
Preparing Your Case for a Salary Increase
When you ask for a salary increase, you need a strong case. This means showing your achievements and checking if your salary fits the market. This helps make sure your request is fair.
Gathering Evidence of Your Accomplishments
Start by listing your big wins at work. Talk about how you’ve boosted sales, met goals, and taken on more tasks6. Use numbers to show your impact, like how much money you’ve made or saved7. Also, mention your skills, certifications, and experience that make you valuable6.
Even personal reasons like starting a family can be part of your case. But, make sure to tie it to the company’s goals8. Show how your raise will help the company grow and succeed8.
Researching Market Rates for Your Role
Next, look up what people in your job make in your area. Use the Canada Salary Guide from Robert Half6 for this. Compare your salary to what others make, based on your skills and experience67. Websites like Career.io’s Salary Analyzer can also give you a good idea7.
When asking for a raise, think about giving a salary range instead of a single number. This makes your request seem more thought-out8.
By combining your achievements and market data, you’ll have a strong case for a raise. This shows your worth to the company and meets industry standards67.
Crafting Your Asking for a Raise Email Template
When you ask for a raise via email, you need to show how valuable you are to the company. You should write a clear email that explains why you deserve more. This email should highlight your achievements and how they benefit the company.
Starting with a Clear and Engaging Subject Line
Your email’s subject line should be short and to the point. It should clearly state why you’re writing. For example, “Requesting a Salary Review” or “Discussing My Compensation”. This makes sure your manager knows why your email is important.
Opening with Gratitude and Positivity
Start by thanking the company for the opportunities you’ve had. Talk about the projects you’ve worked on and how they’ve helped you grow. For example, “I’m thankful for leading the marketing campaign that boosted customer engagement by 45%9.”
Presenting Your Case for a Raise
When asking for a raise, follow a “what, how, and why” structure. Explain what you’ve done, how you did it, and why it’s good for the company. Use examples and data to back up your points. For instance, “I hit sales targets 180% higher than expected and kept 94% of customers9.” A 6-10% raise is often seen as fair, based on research10.
- Reducing delivery times by 30% and increasing client satisfaction scores by 10%9
- Facilitating a 40% reduction in system downtimes9
- Achieving 98% client satisfaction scores and reducing client setup time by three days9
- Saving 10 hours weekly per department through an automated reporting system9
Make sure your raise request matches the market rate for your role. This makes your case stronger10.
Requesting a Meeting to Discuss Further
End your email by asking for a meeting to talk more about your raise. Say when you’d like to meet and offer to give more info if needed. Keep your email short and check it for errors before sending10.
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss my compensation in person. Please let me know if you have any questions or require further details. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
By using this structure and highlighting your achievements, you can make a strong case for a raise. This will help you succeed in your compensation negotiation.
Following Up After Sending Your Raise Request Email
After you send your pay raise proposal, give your boss time to think about it. Being patient is important. Rushing for a quick answer can seem pushy or unprofessional. If you haven’t heard back in two weeks, it’s okay to send a polite reminder by email, in person, or through your company’s usual way of talking11.
When you follow up, keep your tone positive and professional. Show your excitement for your job and your commitment to the company’s success. You could say, “I wanted to check in about the pay raise proposal I sent two weeks ago. I’m excited to keep helping our team and would love to hear your thoughts on my request.” Being persistent can help, as one follow-up email can boost the response rate from 9% to 13%12.
If your boss needs more info or hasn’t had time to review your proposal, offer to help. This shows you’re willing to work together to find a good solution. Sometimes, your manager might need to talk to HR or other executives before deciding, so be patient and understanding.
If your raise request is turned down, don’t give up. You could ask for a smaller raise, talk about performance-based bonuses, or look at non-monetary benefits like more vacation days or flexible work hours. Showing you’re flexible and willing to find a middle ground can help keep a good relationship with your employer, even if you don’t get the raise you wanted.
| Scenario | Follow-Up Strategy |
|---|---|
| No response within 2 weeks | Send a polite reminder via email, direct conversation, or company communication app |
| Supervisor requires more information | Offer to provide additional details or schedule a meeting to discuss further |
| Raise request is denied | Explore alternative options, such as a smaller raise, performance bonuses, or non-monetary benefits |
Having a good follow-up plan is key to getting the raise you deserve. By staying professional, persistent, and flexible, you show your value to the company. This increases your chances of a positive outcome.
A successful salary negotiation is not just about the initial request, but also the follow-through. Stay engaged, stay positive, and keep communicating your worth.
Alternatives to Consider if Your Raise Request is Denied
If your compensation review request is denied, stay calm and professional. Avoid reacting impulsively or emotionally. This could damage your reputation and relationship with your employer13.
Ask for the reasons behind the decision. Also, find out when you can discuss it again.
Asking for Non-Monetary Benefits
Think about asking for non-monetary benefits. These could be more paid time off, flexible hours, or remote work options13. They can improve your work-life balance and help you grow in your career.
Planning Your Career Growth Within the Company
Plan your career growth by setting goals with your boss. Create a roadmap with objectives and training needed for future raises13. Keep a record of your achievements and contributions for your next merit raise request13.
Having a face-to-face discussion about your raise is more effective than just emailing14.
Use data to support your request or understand your employer’s decision. Look at market salary benchmarks for similar roles1315. Show your impact with specific numbers, like a 20% increase in sales or $100,000 in quarterly sales1514.
| Strategy | Example |
|---|---|
| Research salary benchmarks | Average annual salary for a position might be $65,000, which could be 12% higher than the current salary of $58,000 in a specific region14 |
| Quantify your impact | Saving a company $50,000 in annual revenue or contributing to $100,000 in quarterly sales14 |
Exploring External Job Opportunities
If you’re not happy with the response, it’s time to look at other job opportunities. Update your resume and network with industry professionals. Look for jobs that match your career goals and offer good pay.
Conclusion
Asking for a raise through a well-crafted email shows you’re professional. It’s a good way to start a formal review of your pay. Timing is key; think about your company’s finances, your recent wins, and your manager’s busy schedule16.
Having proof of your success is important. This could be finishing a graduate certificate in grant writing17, managing big projects, or bringing in $2.5M in new business18. This evidence helps make your case for a raise stronger.
When you write your asking for a raise email, start with a clear subject line. Say thank you and then explain why you deserve a raise. Mention your skills, awards, and a specific pay amount based on what others in your field make16.
Ask for a meeting to talk about your raise. This shows you’re ready to work with your manager17.
If you don’t get the raise you want, stay positive. Look into other benefits like more training or flexible hours. Keep growing in your career, but also think about jobs outside your company. Remember, asking for what you’re worth is part of growing professionally. A well-prepared negotiation can lead to success.
FAQ
What is the best time to ask for a raise?
The best time to ask for a raise is after you’ve achieved something big. This could be landing a new client, hitting your quarterly goals, or coming up with a winning strategy. Make sure to check your company’s policy on raises. Try to avoid asking during layoffs or hiring freezes.
How should I prepare my case for a salary increase?
To prepare for a raise, collect proof of your contributions to the company. This includes any growth, meeting goals, building teams, managing relationships, leading, and improving operations. Use reliable sources to find out what others in your role are making. This helps make sure your raise request is fair.
What should I include in my asking for a raise email template?
Begin your raise email with a clear subject line. Express your gratitude for the opportunities you’ve had. Then, explain your achievements with specific examples and data.
End by asking for a meeting to discuss your raise. Also, mention when you expect a response.
How long should I wait for a response after sending my raise request email?
Give your boss enough time to think about your proposal. If you haven’t heard back in two weeks, send a polite reminder. You can do this via email, a direct conversation, or your company’s app.
What should I do if my raise request is denied?
If you’re turned down, ask why and when you can talk about it again. You might consider asking for other benefits like more vacation time or flexible hours. Set goals and milestones with your boss to grow in your role.
If you’re still unhappy and see no way to get a raise, it might be time to look for jobs outside the company.
Why is it important to ask for a raise in writing?
Asking for a raise in writing shows you’re professional. It makes things clear and starts a formal review process. With the right timing, a strong case, and a good email, you’re more likely to get a raise.
Source Links
- Asking for a raise email with samples and templates – https://www.maestrolabs.com/how-to/how-to-ask-for-a-raise-email
- How to Ask for a Raise Via Email (Template Included!) – https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-ask-for-a-raise-via-email
- How to Ask for a Raise in an Email or Letter – https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/career-development/how-to-write-a-letter-asking-for-a-raise
- How To Professionally Ask For a Raise Via Email in 2024 + 5 Free Templates – https://blaze.today/blog/how-to-ask-for-a-raise-email/
- How To Ask for a Raise via Email (3 Templates + AI Generator) | Lindy – https://www.lindy.ai/blog/how-to-ask-for-a-raise-via-email-or-use-our-ai-to-do-it-for-you
- 3 Steps to Asking for a Raise in Writing – https://www.roberthalf.com/ca/en/insights/career-development/how-to-write-a-letter-asking-for-a-raise
- Do you think you deserve a raise? Write a salary increase request letter. – https://career.io/career-advice/salary-increase-request-letter
- What to Say When Asking for a Salary Raise: Email Template – https://www.thrivetherapyphx.com/blog-posts/what-to-say-when-asking-for-a-salary-raise-email-template
- 20 Email Samples Asking for a Raise – My Email Samples – https://myemailsamples.com/email-samples-asking-for-a-raise/
- How to Write a Letter Requesting a Pay Raise – https://www.thebalancemoney.com/sample-letter-requesting-a-pay-raise-2062777
- 18 sales follow-up email templates to boost conversions – https://www.zendesk.com/blog/sales-follow-up-email/
- Follow-up Email After No Response: 15 Templates & Best Practices – https://www.notta.ai/en/blog/follow-up-email-templates
- What do you do if your employer is not receptive to your salary increase request? – https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/what-do-you-your-employer-receptive-salary-increase-stoae
- How to Write a Letter Requesting a Salary Increase (With Samples) – https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-write-a-salary-increase-letter-with-samples-2063943
- 5 Effective Tips for How to Ask for a Raise – https://www.careerflow.ai/blog/how-to-ask-for-raise
- How to Ask Your Employer for a Raise (With Example Letter) – https://www.wikijob.co.uk/features/useful-resources/ask-for-raise
- How to Ask for a Raise via Email – https://www.thebalancemoney.com/sample-email-message-asking-for-a-raise-2062776
- 20 “Disappointed with Salary Raise” Email Samples – My Email Samples – https://myemailsamples.com/disappointed-with-salary-raise-email-samples/
