Discovering that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is easier said than done, and scoring a raise can feel just as mythical. But no fear! In the modern workplace, emails have become a powerful tool for making just about any professional request—including asking for a well-deserved bump in your paycheck. In this guide, we'll talk about the importance of asking for a raise and explore how email can play a pivotal role in increasing your earnings.
When to ask for a raise
Timing considerations
When it comes to requesting a raise, timing is everything. You may want to consider asking for more moolah after wrapping up a major project, during an annual performance review, or after successfully taking on additional responsibilities. Keep an eye out for signs that your employer is in a financial position to grant a raise, and avoid making the request when the company is going through tough times or cutting back on expenses.
Signs you might be due for a raise
Raise your hand if you’re feeling underpaid and undervalued? (🙋♂️🙋♀️🙋) Here are some telltale signs that you might be overdue for a pay bump:
- Your responsibilities have increased significantly.
- It's been over a year since your last raise or promotion.
- You've received glowing feedback or accolades from management.
- Your salary is below industry standards for your job title and location.
Preparing to ask for a raise
Understanding your value
Before you start drafting that golden email, reflect on what you bring to the table. Consider your unique skills, experience, and accomplishments, and think about how your work contributes to the overall success of the company. Knowing your value will help you build a strong case for a raise.
Researching market rates
A little bit of homework goes a long way. Compare your current salary with the average pay for similar roles and locations. Online tools like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and Payscale can help you gather this information. Knowing the magic number for your role can help your negotiation feel more grounded and fair.
Gathering evidence of your contributions
Numbers are our friends, folks, especially when they show just how productive and effective you are. Prepare a list of your key contributions and quantifiable accomplishments, such as projects you've led, revenue or cost savings you've generated, and any positive feedback from colleagues or clients.
How to write an email asking for a raise
Subject line
Your subject line should be clear, professional, and straight-to-the-point. You could use something like, "Request for salary review – [Your Name]" or "Salary increase discussion – [Your Name]." Avoid gimmicks or clickbait—it's better to be upfront about what the email's about.
Opening
When you dive into the email, thank your manager for their time and express your appreciation for the opportunities you've had with the company. This sets a positive tone right from the start, and it's like the wand-waving prelude to your grand finale.
Making your case
This is where the magic truly sparks. Present your case by discussing your accomplishments, increased responsibilities, and any feedback you've received. Be sure to mention the market research you've conducted and talk about any discrepancies between your current salary and industry standards. Keep your tone polite and confident—arrogance or entitlement may make your request vanish into thin air.
Closing
End your email by requesting a meeting to discuss your salary in person. This can be a virtual meeting or a face-to-face chat with your boss, depending on your work setup. Make sure to express your gratitude once again and reaffirm your commitment to the company's success.
Follow-up
After sending your email, be prepared to wait for a response. Give your manager ample time to digest the information and consider your request (think: at least a week). If you don't hear back within an appropriate time frame, follow up with a gentle nudge.
Templates for asking for a raise via email
Template for a straightforward request
If you're angling for a simple and straightforward approach, this template will help you get the ball rolling. It briefly outlines your current situation, achievements, and the rationale behind your request.
Subject: Request for Salary Review – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my gratitude for the opportunities I have had to learn and grow in my role as [Your Position] at [Company Name]. Working with the team has been truly rewarding, and I am proud of the contributions I have made towards our collective success.
As a part of my ongoing commitment to improving my professional skills and enhancing my role within the company, I would like to request a salary review. I understand that regular salary evaluations are crucial for both employee motivation and ensuring fair compensation.
Over the past [time period], I have taken on additional responsibilities and engaged in projects that have positively impacted our bottom line. Some key achievements include [Accomplishment 1], [Accomplishment 2], and [Accomplishment 3]. These accomplishments demonstrate my dedication to our team's goals and my ability to excel in my role.
Considering my performance and the current market rates for similar positions in our industry, I believe a salary increase is warranted. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter with you further and explore how we can ensure fair compensation for my role at [Company Name].
Could we schedule a meeting within the next two weeks to dive deeper into this discussion? I understand that you have a busy schedule, so please let me know a time that works best for you.
Once again, thank you for your time and support. I am excited about our ongoing projects and look forward to contributing even more to the continued success of our team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Template for a request based on performance
In this template, you'll focus on illustrating your most spellbinding achievements, such as increased revenue or exemplary performance. This style demonstrates how your extraordinary work contributes to the company's success and justifies a pay raise.
Subject: Salary Increase Request
Dear [Manager's Name],
I hope you're doing well. As a [Your Position] at [Company Name], I'm always striving to make a positive impact on our business. I'm writing to request a salary increase, based on my recent accomplishments and contributions to the team.
In the past [time period], my performance in several key areas has led to notable results, such as:
1. [Achievement 1]: Brief description of the impact on the company's success
2. [Achievement 2]: Brief description of the impact on the company's success
3. [Achievement 3]: Brief description of the impact on the company's success
Given this track record of success, I kindly request that we discuss my compensation to ensure it aligns with my performance and commitment to the company's goals.
I would appreciate having a meeting with you to address this matter. Please let me know when it would be convenient for you to chat.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Template for a request based on market rates
If your salary is lagging behind industry standards, this template might be your trusty steed. Emphasize your research on market rates, and shed light on the discrepancy between your pay and the going rate for your role.
Subject: Salary Adjustment Inquiry – [Your Name]
Hi [Manager's Name],
I recently conducted research on market rates for [Your Position] and noticed that my current salary is below the industry average. Given my valuable contributions to the team, I'd like to request a discussion about adjusting my pay to better align with industry norms.
Looking forward to your thoughts and scheduling a brief meeting to chat.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
What to do if your request is denied
Understanding the reasons
If your wish isn't granted, try to understand the reasons behind the refusal. Is it due to company budget constraints, or is there a concern about your performance? Knowing the rationale can help you plan your next steps—whether that means improving in certain areas or waiting for a more opportune moment.
Planning your next steps
If your boss is unwilling or unable to grant your raise, it's time to consider your options. You might choose to propose a follow-up salary review in a few months, request alternative perks (like extra vacation time), or start scouting for new career opportunities.
How Magical can help you get a raise
Asking for a raise doesn't need to be a heart-pounding, nail-biting experience. With the right timing, preparation, and email-writing strategy, you can craft a powerful message that elevates your earning potential. And Magical can help in a big way—not only can it help you instantly craft and save your salary increase email template, it can also boost your productivity and save you an average of seven hours a week on repetitive tasks like messaging, filling sheets, and data entry.
If all that doesn’t earn you a raise, then it might be time to get a new manager. 😅 Add Magical to Chrome today for free to get started.
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