How to ask for a raise (email template & conversation bullet points)

With inflation on the rise, more employees are paying more attention to salary increments – either as raises at their current work place, or by looking for new employment. Both scenarios come with their share of anxiety. But one is easier to do, and takes a lot less time: asking your boss for a raise.

We said easier, not easy, as one in three workers feels underpaid at their current job. So then two questions arise:

Should employees ask for raises to begin with?

No. We feel that employers should be aware of their staff at all times. What their performance reviews say, what responsibilities they take on board, how that particular employee brings value to the company. And they should be remunerated accordingly.

If so, how should you go about this particular situation with the most grace and politeness?

Having said this, you shouldn’t just sit around and ask for a raise. If it’s already been a year since your last raise and you feel that you should receive a salary increase, speak your mind. Staying motivated at work is a big deal.

Today we’ll help you go through this process and get you the raise you deserve.

Step 1 – The proper mindset when asking for a raise

Be polite and powerful. Think of this as a professional discussion, not a demand. With this approach you can guarantee that you won’t come across as rude, greedy, or cheeky. 

Regardless of how this conversation will end, you will get a win out of it. You’ll either get the raise you wanted, or you’ll be able to negotiate an increase in money or benefits, or you’ll become aware of the tools you’ll need that will guarantee that on your next talk with your boss you’ll have managed to rise up to their expectations.

Step 2 – Know your worth: how much should you ask

Do some research and figure out how much money people in your area that have the same position as you are earning. Look through these wage comparison websites and see how you compare to the average salary. Now you’ll have a benchmark to set your target raise. 

Usually companies will give 1% to 3% increments. Others are more generous. 

Do you need to have a specific number in mind when asking for a raise? Yes. You don’t have to open the conversation with it, but it will probably come up during the talk.

Do you have to aim high and negotiate?

It all depends on your boss. If they are the negotiator-type, then maybe this is a good idea. If they are more straight-forward, then perhaps your number will throw them off. So for this step, figure out what kind of boss you’re dealing with.

Step 3 – Choose the best time to ask for a raise

Most companies don’t give raises more than once a year. So keep this in mind when you decide to start this conversation.

The best time to ask for a raise is when you:

• Have a track record of recent accomplishments that you can point to. 
• When you’ve taken on more responsibilities in your role and, as a result, the company had an overall positive outcome. 
• When you have finished a project and it was a great success for your team. When something changed in the running of the company since your employment or previous raise (you switched to working from home and have to pay after school services for your child, you have a longer commute because the office changed its address, etc.) 

If these or similar situations didn’t happen to you, then a great time to bring up the subject is during your performance review. This is a natural time to discuss your accomplishments and values. Come prepared to highlight your achievements and how they’ve positively impacted the company.

Step 4 – How to ask for a raise via email

Introverts, don’t start typing just yet! If you can talk to your boss face to face, we strongly encourage you to do so. Conversations go both ways and you’ll have more to win from this interaction. What’s the worst thing that can happen? The boss says no. We’ll go more into that, and why it usually hides great info for you, later.

But we know, sometimes face to face meetings aren’t possible. Here’s our suggestion for a request for salary increment letter format:

Subject: Salary Review Request – [Your Name]

Dear [Manager Name],

I’m writing to formally request a review of my current salary. In the past [timeframe], I’ve consistently achieved [list 2-3 key accomplishments] which have resulted in [positive outcomes for the company]. My current responsibilities include [list your main duties] and I’m always looking for ways to contribute further.

Based on my research and my performance, I believe a raise of [desired percentage] is fair compensation for my contributions. I’m happy to discuss this further at your convenience.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Step 5 – The best wording to ask for a raise (bullet point structure to copy and use)

Copy this template for the discussion and fill it in with your experience. Keep it short, under 2 minutes.

• Thank your boss for meeting with you
• How long have you been with the company
• Your accomplishment and result (stick to the three major ones or less)
• (optional) What has changed in the company that entails a raise
• Your research on similar wages

Remember:

• Focus on facts and accomplishments, not personal needs.
• Be confident, but not arrogant.
• Maintain a professional demeanor throughout the conversation.

Step 6 – What if the boss says no?

Don’t be discouraged! Thank your manager for their time and express your continued interest in growth within the company. Ask for specific feedback on areas for improvement that could strengthen your case for a raise in the future. A good manager will be happy to share this information with you. If they don’t, well, that might be your red flag and you probably should start sprucing up your resume and start looking for a new job.

Some reasons why you were denied your raise:

• The company might not have the money on its budget.
• The salary increment you asked for might affect the other employees’ salaries, which, in turn, would require a raise to keep things fair.
• The manager is fairly confident that you will not look for a higher salary somewhere else. (This is not to say that you should impose your needs or threaten them with quitting.)
• Some companies have salary bands for certain positions. They will never go above the max. Perhaps a change of position is more suitable for you to get the expected raise.

Step 7 – Ask for a raise!

Follow these tips, and you can approach the conversation with confidence and increase your chances of a successful outcome. Remember, you deserve to be fairly compensated for your hard work and achievements. Go out there and conquer that raise conversation!