How To Ask For A Raise Via Email

Getting a new job can be a rewarding experience, especially when you are new to the business world and still learning your profession. However, this does not mean that having a job does not come with its pushbacks, as you could spend years working for the same company and still feel unappreciated. 

Of course, one way to catch your boss’s attention is by working hard and delivering quality content, which could make you eligible for a raise. And while some people will wait years for such justification, others will try to speed up the process by contacting their boss personally and asking for the increased payment. 

But what is the best approach to this method? Confronting your boss in their office could be seen as too direct while calling them on the phone is too informal. Because of this, many people now choose to ask for a raise over email, as this is considered a more professional and direct way to ask the question. 

So if you want to know how to ask for a raise via email, then you have come to the right place. In the following article, we are going to teach you how to write an email to your boss, while also covering everything you need to know before hitting send. 

So if you want to learn how to write the perfect salary increase email, this article has everything you need to get started.

If you need to generate pay stubs for your employees, be sure to check out our paystub maker.

Also read: 6 Employee Engagement Strategies

Overview - How To Ask For A Raise Via Email 

If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to read the entire article, we have provided a condensed version of our instructions in the section below: 

• Research The Topic 

Whether you are looking for a modest increase or substantial pay rise, it is important that you do your research before sending your email. Every company has the resources to determine how they calculate their salary increases, which you can use as leverage when drafting your email. 

• Make Sure The Time Is Right 

If you have just been given a raise in accordance with your company’s policies, you will need a solid reason for needing another one so soon. Sometimes waiting a few months can have a huge impact on your boss’s decision, so it’s important that you time your email right. 

• Always Provide Evidence 

When drafting your email, you will need to present valid reasons for why you need a raise - which means you will need evidence to back up your claims. Being able to produce numbers and statistics is a surefire way to impress your boss, while also making you look professional and savvy. 

• Choose A Realistic Figure 

There’s no point in asking for a raise if you’re going to choose a random number out of the air, as this will only make you look greedy and uninformed. Instead, you must understand your expectations and provide a reasonable average. By doing this, your boss is more likely to take you seriously and consider your request. 

If you want to know more about asking for a raise via email, then we have provided a detailed explanation in the following section.

Also read: 6 Talent Acquisition Strategies For Startups

Why Should You Ask For A Raise Via Email? 

Sending an email can be the easiest way to ask for a raise, especially if you are working remotely or as a freelancer. For example, sending an email is a professional and direct way to ask for a salary increase, while also giving your boss the time they need to consider the best response. 

By not confronting your boss in person, you won’t put them in a corner, which will make it easier to explain your reasons for wanting a raise in the first place. 

However, this does not mean that you can send the email whenever you want, as timing the message correctly could have a huge impact on your boss’s final decision. 

Also read: Employee Motivation Strategies 

What Will Your Employer Need To Consider? 

The decision to give an employee a raise is not one that most employers make lightly, as they need time to consider the request and evaluate the progress of your career. They will also need to review your contributions to the company, as well as review the departmental finances to see if the budget can cover such an increase. 

Your employer must also consider the subliminal message that could be sent to your peers should they give you the raise. While raises represent an increase in your salary, they are also a confirmation that your employer values you and wants to retain you at the company, which could cause conflict and accusations. 

Beyond this, senior management will need to consider how their decision could impact the company and your fellow employees, as they could receive other requests for raises that they won’t be able to accept. In some cases, the denial of a raise could lead to conflicts inside the company, which could result in terminations and damaged morale. 

That is why sending an email is a great way to combat these issues, as this will give you time to discuss the reasons for your compensation, while also allowing your employer to consider your request. 

Also read: What Are 8 Ways To Increase Employee Loyalty?

What Should Your Email Request Contain? 

When it comes to drafting your email request, there are certain key points that you will need to include: 

• A request for a meeting to discuss your salary increase (this can usually be addressed in the subject line of the email)

• Concrete reasons why you deserve a salary increase (with solid evidence to back your points) 

• Any other responsibilities that you have taken on in your role since working for the company. 

• Any professional skills or certifications that you have acquired since working for the company. 

Beyond the points mentioned above, it is also important to include information about working for the company and how much you enjoy it, as you don’t want to come across as a disgruntled employee who is asking for money. 

On that note, you should never just ask for the raise, as it is better to ask for an opportunity to discuss a raise, rather than asking for more money. 

Because writing an email request can be an overwhelming process, it is common for some people to leave out key information, such as acquired certifications and everything you have done for the company. 

However, it is best to avoid doing this, as you should never presume that your employer knows everything you are working on. 

When writing an email request, you will need to use a standard business letter format, as this is a professional correspondence and should be treated as such. It is also possible to have your email reviewed by other employees at the company. 

Also read: Ways In Which You Can Show Employees You Are Thankful

What Should The Business Email Format Include? 

To write an impressive business email, you must use a business letter format, which should include: 

• A professional greeting 

• A formal closing 

If you need a refresher on how to write a business email, we have included an example in the section below. 

Template - How To Ask For A Raise Via Email

Subject Line: Meeting request - (your name) 

Dear (employer’s name)

I am grateful for the opportunity to work for you as (your position) for (company name). Over the past ( ) years, my responsibilities at the company have grown and I have risen to the challenge both consistently and exceptionally, which is why I would like to request a meeting to discuss my current salary. 

As you know, my salary has remained the same since I was hired in ( ). Since then, I have continued to contribute to the company by taking on a greater workload, as well as additional duties. For example, I volunteered (write about achievements here) and believe that I have grown through this experience. 

I have also recently completed a (certification name) which (what you have learnt and how it can be applied to your current position). 

Because of this, I believe my increasing contributions to the company and my new qualifications justify a pay raise. 

I would love to arrange a meeting with you to discuss my raise in salary. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely, 

Your full name

Your position at the company

The company address 

Mobile phone number 

Professional email address