How to Ask for a Raise via Email

Even when you know you deserve it, asking for a raise often feels like traversing a minefield; because a misstep could mean trouble.

However, if you’ve consistently put in the hard work, exceeded expectations, and achieved remarkable results, it’s probably time to propose a wage adjustment.

Similar to navigating a minefield, exercising caution is crucial. We recommend sending an email asking for a raise and effectively highlighting your value and contributions to the company. However, it’s important to strike a balance and avoid coming across as overly aggressive in your arguments.

In this article, we provide comprehensive guidance on how to ask for a raise via email and some useful samples to assist you in discussing the topic of a salary increase with your employer.

Craft Your Raise Request Email with Our AI Email Writer

Before we present the examples, we suggest using our AI email writer to effectively articulate your raise request in an email with confidence and professionalism.

What is an email asking for a raise?

An email asking for a raise is a formally written document to one’s employer or manager requesting a wage raise. It is written to initiate a discussion about one’s compensation and why one should get a raise. With this documentation, both parties can track any agreements and decisions reached during the negotiation process.

Requesting a raise in person is no longer as popular as it once was since such cannot be properly documented. Emails have become the primary means of communication in the corporate world, and that includes discussions about salaries. In fact, if you work remotely or in a geographically distant area from your company’s headquarters, this may be your only option.

Consider starting with our pre-made samples and templates if you are unsure how to start or find it challenging to write one

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Read also: How to request something emails (5 samples & templates)

More specific email to ask for a raise sample

Here’s another variant to use if you want to get more specific about your asking. In this sample, the author proposes a salary.

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to discuss the possibility of a salary raise. Based on my contributions to the company over the past [number of years], as well as my dedication to achieving results, I believe that a salary increase is warranted.

After researching current market rates for similar roles, I propose a salary of [amount]. This adjustment would reflect my level of expertise and the value I bring to the team.

I understand that budget considerations are important, but I hope that you will take into account my commitment and the positive impact I have made during my time here.

I would be grateful if we could discuss this matter further at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your attention.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Read also: How to write salary negotiation emails (5 samples & templates)

When can I ask for a raise?

While salary reviews are great, knowing when to request one is probably more important. Good timing increases the chances of your request getting considered. For instance, it is not advisable to request a raise if your company recently faced significant financial setbacks, you have only been at the job for a short period, or you have had some performance issues recently.

The best time to negotiate a raise is when you can confidently highlight and demonstrate, using specific examples, how valuable your contributions have been to the company’s success.

If you’re unsure about the timing, propose a meeting with your employer to discuss your performance and what more you can do to contribute to the company’s success. From their reactions, it should be easier to tell whether they may be open to reviewing your compensation or not.

For best results, show some confidence in your writing. While modesty is a commendable trait in many facets of life, requesting a wage raise is one of the moments where this could be counterproductive. Speak confidently and highly about yourself. Highlight all your accomplishments, successes, and contributions to the company over the time under review and make your employer see why you deserve a compensation review.

The tricky part is doing this without sounding arrogant, aggressive, or too pushy. The following tips can help you communicate effectively with your employer.

Dos of email asking for a raise

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when drafting a fresh email asking for a raise:

Keep it concise

Employers are often pressed for time and may not have the patience to sift through a lengthy email asking for a raise. Keep your email concise and straightforward to make your request more effective. Clearly state why you deserve a raise and how much you would like to earn moving forward, using as few words as possible.

Make arguments using specific examples

Generic arguments like “I am a hard worker,” “I think I deserve more,” or “I work extra hours” won’t cut it. They could be mistaken for comments from a disgruntled employee rather than a genuine call for deserving compensation. Instead, write out specific examples of your contributions - supporting your claims using data if available - and how they have benefited the company.

Highlight your future contributions

A well-crafted email for a raise focuses on past achievements and a commitment to future growth and commitments. Share your aspirations with your employer and how the wage increase will motivate you to bring more value to the team, take on new challenges, and expand your skills.

To avoid making the email too wordy, you may leave out some specifics which can be discussed in an in-person meeting. However, your email must conveniently highlight your past achievements and express your future potential. This way, you make a compelling case for why the wage increase is not only deserved but beneficial for both you and the company.

Be polite

Even if you deserve a raise or consider it long overdue, it is important to still be as polite as you can in making your request. Also, be open-minded enough to understand that you may not receive the response you were hoping for, no matter how well-written your request is. If you do not get a positive outcome, continue to put in your best at work.

Dont’s of email asking for a raise

Do not do the following when writing your letter for a raise;

Be too emotional

Avoid drafting an email for raise when your emotions are heightened. Feelings of anger and disappointment can cloud your thinking, make you pen down things you don’t mean, or things that would make you come off as disrespectful.

Threaten your employer

This is a no-no. Threatening your employer never ends well. Oftentimes, it doesn’t get you a raise and damages the relationship with your boss while at it.

Forget a thank you

Sending a thank you after your request shows you are willing to keep a positive attitude regardless of the outcome. It also reinforces your professionalism and commitment to the job.

Email format for an email asking for a raise

With those tips in mind, you should be ready to write one now. Your email should take this format:

Write a subject line

The best approach is to be direct in your subject line. A header like “Request for a salary review meeting” would be suitable. If you consider that too direct and think it might come across as too sharp, you can try something less direct, like “Can we schedule a meeting to discuss welfare?”

Some other subject lines often used for this cause are:

• Formal request for salary review
• Request for wage raise consideration
• Proposal for increased compensation
• Discussion on career progression and salary adjustment
• Can we schedule a meeting on compensation review?

Make your request

This section of the email is the crux of the matter. Typically, it should contain these critical parts

Accomplishments: Highlight using data points and specific examples to highlight successes and contributions to the company.

Market value: Carry out a market survey to see how much people in your role and your location earn. This should help in building a case of why you deserve more.

Make the request: Write in ‘black and white’ how much more you would like to earn. You could write this as a percentage value or in actual figures.

Close on a positive note

Close the request in a positive way with some call to action (CTA. An example of a CTA is, “Can we meet to discuss this further?” This prompts your employer to initiate an action. You may also include a thank you and let them know you would be looking forward to their prompt response.

These are popular closing sentences to similar emails

• Can we meet to discuss this further? Thank you for your time and consideration
• Thank you for taking the time to read through this email. I look forward to reading a response from you

Conclusion

Emails for raise are delicate emails, thus, should be written with professionalism and tact. Remember to consider the above-listed tips when writing yours, copy and modify one of our samples or do it the easiest way with the most powerful AI tool like HIX.AI. With this AI tool incorporated into your email app, you can write and reply to received emails in one click.