Asking for a pay raise can be a nerve-wracking experience. Formulating your request through a well-constructed email can help you clearly explain your expectations and express your thoughts in an orderly manner. Maximize your chances of getting the raise by writing a clear and concise message. Take the time to compose a compelling request and decide the best time to submit it.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Compose Your Email
Step 1. Use a friendly and professional tone
You should make your request polite and respectful, but there is no need to be overly formal. The enthusiasm for your work should shine through. Start the email by greeting your boss as you normally would (for example "Hi Maria").
Step 2. Be clear and direct
Your boss should understand what you are asking right away. Write a subject that directly expresses the content of the message, then summarize your request in the first paragraph.
- For example, you could choose "Salary Adjustment Request" as the subject.
- The first paragraph may be similar to the following: "I have worked hard over the past two years to make a valuable contribution to society. In light of all the results I have achieved, I would like to ask for an increase to € 30,000 a year. This figure is in in line with the average salary received by assistant editors working in the academic publications sector in the Milan area ".
Step 3. Add details
Once you've written the opening paragraph, corroborate your request with examples of how you helped the company. Name some specific goals to improve your performance and continue to help society in the future.
Step 4. Avoid complaints and ultimatums
Your request should be as positive as possible. Don't complain about working hard for poor pay, and don't say it's been years since your last raise. Also, avoid hinting or expressly saying that you will quit if you don't get what you want.
Instead, focus on the results you have achieved. Show your enthusiasm for the job and a desire to continue contributing to society in a positive way
Step 5. Summarize and repeat the request
Conclude with a paragraph where you repeat the reasons why you think you deserve the raise. Re-issue the raise request.
You can finish the email by saying, "Given my positive contribution to the company over the past two years, I believe a salary of € 30,000 a year would be appropriate for an employee with my qualifications and experience. I hope to speak soon. with her about this topic and I appreciate the advice on how to improve my performance even more."
Step 6. Say hello with respect
Thank your boss for his time and attention. Close the email in a friendly and respectful manner (such as "Yours sincerely").
Step 7. Prepare for a "no"
If the boss refuses your request, collect the no gracefully and don't give up. A negative answer does not necessarily imply that you will not be able to obtain the increase in the future.
- Reply with another email, or talk to him in person, to thank him again for his time.
- Ask politely what you can do to receive a "yes" in the future.
Method 2 of 3: Prepare Your Argument
Step 1. Write the list of your results
Think for a while about your contribution to the company over the past year (or since your last raise, if you've had one). Write down all significant episodes. For example, consider whether:
- You have successfully completed important projects.
- You saved the company money or helped increase revenue.
- You performed better than expected.
- You have received positive feedback from customers or supervisors.
Step 2. Research current wages in your industry
Discover the salary range of people in positions similar to yours and with similar experience levels to yours. Ask your colleagues how much they earn, consult your company's Human Resources department or websites such as https://www.payscale.com/ or
Step 3. Establish a target salary
Once you've done your research, decide on a reasonable amount to ask for. Choose a specific value for your pay.
- Managers react better to requests for specific numbers rather than intervals. For example, instead of saying you want a salary between € 40,000 and € 45,000, ask for € 43,500.
- Remember that the average increase is between 1 and 5% of an employee's current salary. Consider this factor when deciding your target salary.
Method 3 of 3: Finding the Right Time
Step 1. Don't make your claim when the boss is under pressure
If he's already overwhelmed with employee evaluations, urgent deadlines, or tough budget decisions, wait for the situation to calm down before asking for a raise.
Step 2. Ask for a raise when the company is doing well
If revenues are growing, customers are satisfied, and the business is stable or expanding, this is probably the best time to ask for a raise. Don't do it when your budget is already tight. If the company is laying off some of its staff, this is almost certainly the worst time to make your claim.
Step 3. Ask for a raise as your responsibilities change
It is a good idea to choose the moment when the company puts you with the most responsibility. For example, it may be the right time if:
- You have recently been assigned a new project.
- You have just completed a training period for a new assignment.
- You helped develop business relationships with a new client or partner.
Step 4. Consider introducing the topic in person before sending an email
When asking for a raise, it's best to combine the written request with a private discussion. Send a short message to your boss to let him know that you would like to discuss the possibility of a raise. Immediately before or after the meeting, send the email clearly expressing the details of your request.
