Asking for a salary increase can be a sensitive matter that requires careful handling.
As an employee, you need to justify your request for a pay raise in a manner that your superiors will take seriously without damaging the professional relationships you have worked hard to build.
One effective approach is to draft a letter to your supervisor, requesting a meeting to discuss the salary issue.
This article covers various aspects that could prompt you to send a letter requesting a pay raise and includes two templates for writing a request letter, along with three sample letters.
The Ultimate Guide to Asking for a Raise That Will Get You Results
Sometimes, a direct supervisor would be willing to provide a wage increase to a hard-working employee, but they don’t have the authority to do so.
A request for a salary increase can be made in person or in writing. Sending a letter is an easy way to showcase exactly what should be included in your letter requesting a salary increase.
1.) Why a Letter
Business letters are a valuable tool in all company departments. In fact, all important communication takes place through letters, whether it’s a promotion, transfer, or a request for a salary increase.
2.) A Clear and Concise Letter
Your letter should be clear, concise, polite, and professional. It should be a formal request and should be kept as short as possible to convey your message.
Make sure it covers all the necessary aspects and addresses your salary increase request. Also, verify all dates and references to accomplishments.
3.) Justify Your Cause
Don’t just ask for a raise – justify why you should get it. You should communicate the reasons behind your pay raise request.
By using the salary increase letter and sending it to the person responsible for raises, you can orderly present what you do and why you deserve a raise.
Your supervisor can later confirm the information you provided when the person responsible for raises questions them.
4.) It Provides a Paper Trail
Creating a letter generates a paper trail for your request. If your request is turned down, you can keep a copy in your file and approach the issue again in the short term.
You can gauge the response you get and, more importantly, see how you have grown and developed, thereby providing even more justification for your salary increase. You may be surprised at how well this strategy works.
Benefits of Sending a Salary Raise Request Letter:
1. Structured Communication: A letter helps organize thoughts and present a case clearly, making it easier for the supervisor to understand the perspective.
2. Time for Reflection: Drafting a letter allows careful consideration of accomplishments and contributions, reinforcing the case for a salary raise.
3. Professionalism and Preparedness: Submitting a formal letter demonstrates professionalism, preparedness, and enhances credibility.
4. Documentation for Future Reference: Keeping a copy of the letter provides useful documentation for career tracking and future negotiations.
5. Respectful Approach: Writing a letter maintains a respectful approach, fostering open dialogue and minimizing awkwardness during discussions.
Tips for Writing an Effective Salary Raise Request Letter:
1. Research Salary Benchmarks: Research industry standards and salary benchmarks to substantiate the request.
2. Highlight Achievements and Contributions: Clearly outline accomplishments, contributions, and added value to the organization.
3. Emphasize Professional Growth: Showcase professional development activities and acquired skills.
4. Choose the Right Tone: Maintain a polite and professional tone, presenting the case logically and persuasively.
5. Request a Meeting: Explicitly state the request for a meeting to discuss the salary increase, showing willingness to engage in a conversation.
Remember, tailor the letter to your specific circumstances, including achievements, contributions, and career goals, for a compelling and successful outcome.
Two Templates: Two Approaches to Requesting a Pay Raise in Writing
Here are two suggested templates to use:
Template 1:
1. Draw attention to the fact that you work in your team and company.
2. Refer to the goals you’ve achieved and the qualifications you’ve gained since your last raise.
3. Specify good reasons for your request and justify the pay raise.
4. Ask for a meeting to discuss a raise in salary.
Template 2 (short version):
1. Draw attention to the fact that you work for the company for [several years].
2. State that you would like to review your performance level and qualifications and discuss the pay raise issue accordingly.
3. Request a meeting to discuss a pay raise.
Three Samples of Salary Increase Letters to Guide Your Own Request
1st Sample (Short version):
Dear [Name],
I enjoy working here and appreciate the challenges that my position provides me with every day.
Although I am grateful for the professional opportunities the company offers me, I regret to inform you that my current salary does not meet my expectations.
As you know, my salary has not changed since [date]. Therefore, I am requesting a meeting to discuss a pay raise. During the meeting, I would be happy to review my performance level and discuss the salary issue.
I strongly believe that my contribution justifies a raise in salary because the salary level should reflect the industry averages, my current competencies, and performance.
Thank you in advance.
[Your name]
2nd Sample:
[Name of the Person Letter Sent to]
Subject: Salary Increase
Dear Ms./Mr. [Name],
I have been providing services to the company for [length of time], and my experience in the company has been positive up until now.
I work hard and have achieved significant accomplishments during my tenure. Therefore, I believe I deserve a salary increase based on my past performance.
I am looking for a [percentage] increment increase and am prepared to negotiate this in person. Could you please set up a time and date for us to discuss this?
I have researched salaries in my field and believe that my current compensation is not commensurate with my experience and qualifications.
I expect a positive reply and am waiting to hear from you.
Yours truly,
[Signature]
[Your Name]
3rd Sample:
Dear [Name],
I enjoy working here and appreciate any new opportunities to serve the company goals, beyond and above my role and responsibility. I wish to meet with you for a certain reason. [Let them be curious…]
[Examples of reasons to justify a pay raise. Please edit according to your situation and needs]: During the past few years, I have taken on extra work and responsibilities because I know that my performance is closely tied to the team’s performance. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet your professional expectations and have enhanced my contribution to the company, as demonstrated by the
following accomplishments and gained qualifications: A. B. C.
I have demonstrated a good understanding of what needs to be accomplished when we have worked together on changes to achieve our team goals. Because I am loyal to the company’s growth, you have my commitment to take on extra assignments to enhance my qualifications and contribution.
However, my salary has remained at the same level since [date/when I joined the company]. It is still below the industry average for the professional competencies that I possess. Simply because of my enhanced qualifications and increased contribution, I strongly believe that I have earned a pay raise. Therefore, I humbly request a meeting to review my performance and discuss a salary increase that reflects the above issues.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
[Your name]