Writing a Salary Increase Request Email: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you’ve been with your employer for several years or you’ve just recently taken on additional responsibilities, you might be thinking it’s time for a salary increase. Knowing when and how to ask for a raise can significantly increase your chances of getting one, and the key to success lies in preparation, timing, and the ability to communicate your value effectively. Here’s how to write a salary increase request email.

Evaluate Your Position

Before you begin drafting your request, it’s essential to assess your current position within the company. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Have you taken on additional responsibilities beyond your job description?
• Have you consistently exceeded performance expectations?
• How does your current salary compare to industry standards for your role?

Next, conduct thorough research on the average salary for your role in your industry. You can narrow your search down by adding your location and your level of experience, and you may also want to take a look at your employer’s compensation policies in order to understand the typical timeline and criteria for salary increases.

Timing is Key

Timing can make or break your request. In most cases, the best time to ask for a raise is during a performance review, as salary discussions are usually expected then. Alternatively, consider requesting a raise after successfully completing a significant project, acquiring a new certification, or when the company is financially stable and thriving. Typically, a company is thriving when it’s taking on new clients or projects, employee turnover is low or nonexistent, and departments are expanding and hiring additional talent, so keep an eye out for such signs.

Build Your Case

Once you’ve determined that you’re in a good position to ask for a raise, it’s time to build your case. Document your accomplishments and place emphasis on quantifiable results. Check out these examples:

• “I spearheaded a campaign that increased sales by 20% over six months, generating an additional $500,000 in revenue.”
• “I implemented a new workflow that reduced project completion time by 15%, saving the company approximately $30,000 annually.”
• “Since my last review, I’ve taken on the responsibility of managing the marketing team, leading to improved team performance and morale.”

Examples such as the ones provided above will show how your contributions have directly benefited the company, which is crucial to building a compelling salary increase request.

Drafting Your Request

Now that you’ve gathered your evidence, it’s time to draft your request. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to include:

Subject Line

“Salary Increase Request: [Your Name]”

Introduction

Begin with a polite opening, expressing appreciation for your current role and the opportunities provided by your employer. Here is an example introduction to help you get started:

“Dear [Name of Manager/Supervisor],

I hope all is well. I’d like to start by expressing my gratitude for the support and opportunities I’ve received during my time with [Name of Employer]. Over the past [length of time], I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this team and contributing to our overall success.”

The Request

Clearly state that you are requesting a salary increase, and mention the specific amount or percentage. Tie this directly to your research and achievements. Check out this example:

“I am writing to formally request a review of my current salary. Given the additional responsibilities I have taken on and the impact I’ve made, I believe that a salary adjustment is appropriate. Based on my research and industry standards, I am requesting an increase of [amount or percentage].”

Justifying the Request

Next, highlight your accomplishments, focusing on how they’ve positively impacted the company. Provide specific examples and quantifiable data if possible. Take a look at this example:

“Since my last review, I have successfully led the [Project Name] initiative, which resulted in [outcome/achievement]. Additionally, I have taken on new responsibilities such as [mention new responsibilities], which have further contributed to the company’s growth and efficiency. My efforts have directly contributed to [result(s)/quantifiable improvements].”

Conclusion

End with a positive note, expressing your commitment to the company and your willingness to discuss the request further. Here’s an example of a conclusion for you to work off of:

“I am deeply committed to [Name of Employer] and look forward to continuing to contribute to our ongoing success. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this request further at your earliest convenience. Thank you for considering my request.”

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Follow Up

If you don’t receive an immediate response, it’s essential to follow up politely. Give your manager or supervisor a week or two to review your request before sending a reminder. To help you get started, check out this example follow-up email:

“Dear [Name of Manager/Supervisor],

I wanted to follow up on my recent salary increase request and see if there’s been any progress. I understand that these decisions take time, and I appreciate your consideration. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. I am happy to discuss this further at your convenience.

Best regards,

[Your Name]”

Requesting a salary increase can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and approach, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Remember, the key here is to demonstrate how your contributions have directly benefited the company and to present your request with confidence and professionalism. If you’ve been a high-performer and the timing is right, you might just get a nice salary increase.