How to Write a Letter Asking for a Raise [Updated Example]
How to Write a Letter Asking for a Raise – Asking for a raise is the only sure way to ensure that you receive one. If your company does decide to grant you a raise, it may be significantly lower than what you feel you deserve.
The reason is simple; you didn’t convince your manager that you deserved a raise. Whether to ask for a raise in person or writing arises once you’ve decided to ask for one.
You can get the ball rolling with a simple salary raise request letter or email if you’re not ready to sit down and hash it out with your employer.
Justifications for submitting a Written Request for a Pay Raise
Most advice on negotiating is a face-to-face meeting, including presenting yourself confidently, listening actively, and saying your request clearly.
If you’re not quite there yet, putting your request on paper provides you the time to compile your most assertive talking facts and spin them precisely without worrying about the ebb and flow of a negotiation dialogue.
Furthermore, it provides a paper trail that can be used in the future, for better or ill.
Tips for Writing a Winning Pay Raise Letter
below are what you should include in your pay raise letter:
Introductions (Greetings) and Brief Histories
The best way is to begin with, a polite, businesslike greeting and a concise summary of your experience at the firm or in the position being discussed.
Your Successes
After establishing the tone, it’s time to talk about the specific accomplishments you believe warrant a raise. You don’t have to spend much time explaining each; use brief, detailed facts instead.
Also, the letter’s recipient shouldn’t feel like they have to wade through several pages of text. Think of it more as a compilation of the best moments.
Your Explicit Request
After detailing your successes to demonstrate your worth to the organization, provide the amount, percentage, or range of the raise, you expect to receive.
Don’t ramble on; get to the point. Have a crystal-clear goal in mind when approaching upper management. Provide evidence from wage survey data to support the sum you are asking for (you can find out by visiting sites like Salary.com or Glassdoor).
However, remember that comparing yourself favorably or unfavorably to other people on the job is likely to produce unnecessary tension.
In-Person Meeting Plan
After delivering your opening argument, you may focus on the final paragraph. Make an appointment or propose a regular one-on-one with your employer to discuss the matter in person.
A formal tone isn’t necessary for your letter if you have a cozy, working relationship with your employer. But remember to keep it professional and respectful at all times.
Do not make light of the situation by cracking jokes or being sarcastic, even if your employer is a friend. Your letter or email should showcase your strengths as a professional and convince the reader that you would be an asset to their team.
Latest Example of Pay Raise Request Letter
Brandon Scott
619 South Street, Sacramento, CA 95456 | (777)-888-9999 | [email protected]January 01, 2023
Human Resources Manager,
DIN Services Limited,
247 Avocado Street, Suite 107,
Sacramento, CA 95817Dear Wayne,
The past five years at DIN Services Limited have been a blast for me. I’ve become an integral team component, contributing to our focus areas and always meeting or exceeding expectations. Since my yearly review is coming up, I thought it would be a good time to ask for a raise in income.
Some of my most important contributions in the past year are:
- In the first three months of the current fiscal year, I achieved results that were much above those of my last performance assessment.
- Obtaining $500,000 for four new community involvement projects, with salary support for project coordinators.
- Acquiring additional professional certification through completing VGB which boosted the firm’s reputation.
- I’ve guided three young logistics managers through becoming fully integrated team members thanks to my mentoring and guidance.
- I brought two new high-profile customers to the firm; Dope Marine and Duff Services Limited.
In light of these accomplishments and their value to the firm, I would like a 10% raise in pay. With this increase, my compensation would match the norm in my area for someone of my position and experience level.
I would appreciate it if you have any time to debate my pay raise. If it is more convenient, we can wait until my performance evaluation in two weeks, or I am available for a separate meeting.
Since joining DIN Services Limited, I have been given much encouragement and opportunity, and I hope to contribute significantly to the firm’s future success.
I appreciate your attention to my request, and I look forward to setting up a follow-up meeting soon.
Sincerely,
Signature (hard copy letter)
Brandon Scott
Note that the pay raise request letter above is meant to serve as an example and that proper formatting may be necessary to meet approved benchmarks.
Latest Example of Pay Raise Request Letter [Email Format]
These days, email is the primary means of textual communication in the workplace. The body of your email request for a raise should be concise and not bulky like the usual letter format above.
Email Subject: Brandon Scott – Pay Raise Request
Email Body:
Dear Wayne,
I’ve loved my five years at DIN Services Limited. I’m an important team member who always meets or exceeds expectations. Since my annual review is approaching, I decided to ask for a raise.
In the past year, I’ve made some significant contributions, including:
- I brought two new high-profile customers to the firm; Dope Marine and Duff Services Limited.
- In the first three months of the current fiscal year, I achieved results that were much above those of my last performance assessment.
Given my achievements and usefulness to the company, I’d want a 10% raise in pay. With this raise, my pay would match the local norm for my position and expertise.
Since joining DIN Services Limited, I have been given much encouragement and opportunity, and I hope to contribute significantly to the firm’s future success.
I appreciate your attention to my request, and I look forward to setting up a follow-up meeting soon.
Best regards,
Brandon Scott
Perfecting the Timing of your Pay Raise Letter
The timing of a raise request is crucial. Timely delivery of your letter once you’ve written it can determine whether or not you receive a pay increase.
Factors like the company’s financial stability and your manager’s approval of your performance are crucial.
Keep in mind how long it’s been since you were recruited or had a review; if your review is approaching, this would be a good moment to request a pay raise.
You can improve your chances of getting a raise if you take the time to write a compelling letter and send it at the right time.
A well-written letter can set the tone for salary talks and help you gather your ideas to present yourself in the best possible light.
Strategies to Get Ready for your Pay Raise Discussion
Your manager will (all being well) schedule a meeting time with you after you submit your request, at which point you can ask for a follow-up meeting to address the matter in more detail.
For your upcoming face-to-face meeting, we have four tips that would help you have a successful and smooth meeting:
- Get over your fear and do your best.
- Specificity is key: Make sure the manager understands your request.
- Don’t forget your past successes; that is, remember your accomplishments.
- Get in a negotiating mindset: Salaries are often negotiated. Raise? Unanimity? The response suggests a climb. Your CV needs skills. If your salary increase is rejected, offer leave, flexibility, or assistance in covering the course costs that would help you get a new certification.
In a Salary Negotiation, How Much Should I Aim for?
Before approaching your employer with a request for a raise, it’s a good idea to do some preliminary research into appropriate wage ranges, given your current position, location, and experience.
Lastly, think about what you’ve accomplished and learned, the employment market and the demand for competent workers in your area. To be competitive, you must also ensure your pay is.
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