You want a raise and feel that you deserve it. What is the best way to get a salary increase? If you can make a strong case for a raise, it might help to submit a formal request in writing.
Who should you ask for a raise?
Your request for a salary increase should be directed to the person who manages salary increases and bonuses. This could be your supervisor, manager, or department head.
When should you ask for a raise?
Before you send a message requesting a raise, make sure that the timing is right. For example, if you know that the company is doing well, that your manager is pleased with your work, and enough time has passed (a year or more, depending on the company’s culture) since your last raise, or if your annual review is coming up, all signs point towards going ahead with the request.
When should you not ask for a raise?
If there have been recent layoffs or financial issues within the company, or if salary increases are typically part of the annual performance review that will occur in several months, it may not be the right time to make a case for an unplanned increase.
What should the message include?
Before you start writing, gather the resources that will help you justify a salary increase:
- Consider your history with the company and create a list of accomplishments since your last raise, paying special attention to those that may have contributed to improving the company’s profits.
- If you have received awards or recognitions within the company, you may want to mention them in your message.
- If you believe you are being underpaid, it’s important to include examples. Do some research on salary rates for your job or similar positions in your industry using available salary calculators on sites like Payscale.com or Glassdoor.com or Salary.com.
What should not be included in the message?
Avoid complaining or whining, especially if the company is going through tough times. Assume that things are tough for everyone, but explain why your work stands out.
Do not include any personal insights about your colleagues’ salaries. Instead, focus on your value in your role and your value to the company. Your time with the company is not a justification for a raise, nor are your personal financial circumstances. Stay away from these unconvincing arguments.
Sample Salary Increase Request Letter
If you believe the time is right, here is a sample of a salary increase request letter that can be used as a guide when writing your own customized request for a raise.
The letter should be formatted and written in a formal style. The letter below is intended to be sent as a printed document. If sending it via email, you can remove the date and your address and the employer’s address, and start the message with a greeting.
Download the sample salary increase request letter (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) to use as a starting point for your own letter.
Download the sample salary increase request letter
Text of the sample salary increase request letter:
Taylor Employee
95 Park Lane
Anderson, CT 00880
445-435-0000
janed@emailexample.com
May 26, 2020
Arthur Boss
XYZ Company
23456 Broad Street
Stamford, CT 00834
[Use at the top for printed letters only]
Dear Mr. Boss,
Insert your text here.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am willing to work with you to meet my request as well as what is best for the company. If you have another amount in mind or a plan for raising my salary in the future, I am open to negotiation.
Best regards,
Signature [for printed letter]
Taylor Employee
How to get the raise you requested
Be mindful of the timing: calculate the timing of your request so that you have a better chance of receiving a positive response.
Be prepared
Your request: Research your value in the job market so you can show your manager why they should consider you for a raise.
Have a discussion: If possible, request a meeting to discuss your message and salary. It’s easier to have a personal discussion rather than communicating through email.
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Sources:
The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. PayScale. “How to Ask for a Raise and Get It.” Accessed May 26, 2020.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-write-a-salary-increase-letter-with-samples-2063943
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