How to Ask For a Raise in an Email (With Examples)

 in Blog / Budget / Invest  tagged career

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If you want to avoid the awkward exchange with your boss by asking for a raise in person. You can always ask for a raise in an email. 

You probably already know that raises don’t appear out of thin air. You are going to have to put yourself out there, take a breath, and hit send. 

You may feel anxious. 

You may even feel scared.

These are totally normal feelings. I am going to show you how to prepare your email or letter. I will give you the exact template you need. 

Then I am going to give you scripts as to how you can sell yourself if your boss calls you in for an in-person meeting to discuss further. 

I am also going to show you the most valuable skill of all. How to prepare your boss before you ask for a raise via email. 

Managers don’t like to be surprised. I will layout the steps on how you can prepare them before you hit send. 

Are you sure you want to send, there’s no attachment? 

Oh shoot; I forget to attach all my accomplishments. Saved by outlook again. 

Let’s dig in: 

6 Steps to Prepare Your Boss Before You Ask for a Raise in An Email 

Your boss does not like to be caught off guard. And giving someone a raise is a big decision. Your chances of getting a raise on the spot are almost zero. 

That is why you prepare your boss for your request. Here is how you do this step by step: 

Step 1: Prepare a list of your goals and accomplishments. 

Then research how much people in your exact position make. You can do this on sites like Glassdoor. You want to try to get this done at least 6 months before your yearly review. 

If you are not willing to wait 6 months, do this as early as possible. 

Step 2:  Send an email to your boss requesting a touch base. 

You want to set up a meeting with your boss so you can ask her exactly what you need to do to take your career to the next level. 

Here’s a sample email you can use. 

Subject: Meeting Request – Your Name 

Hi Bosses Name Here, 

I would like to schedule 15 minutes of your time to discuss how I can help the company grow towards its mission. I look forward to collaborating so we can have a clear vision of how I can help grow the company. 

Would any of these dates work for you? 

List 3 dates. 

Kind Regards, 

Your Name 

At the meeting come prepared with your goals. Then ask your boss a simple question.

What can I do to take my career to the next level? 

Listen intently. Take notes and follow up with any questions you may have. 

This shows that you have the drive and want to grow with the company. It also lets your boss know that you will most likely be asking for a raise. Thank your boss for her time and get ready to take action. 

Step 3:  Accomplish as Many goals as possible on your list 

Now it is time to earn that money, honey! Can you believe that some people actually will get a raise for doing nothing but showing up to work every day? 

You want to go above and beyond your goals. This will blow your boss out of the water if you can accomplish more than they asked. 

This could be taking on more responsibilities in meetings, finding ways to save the company money, or getting to work before everyone else to get a jump-start each day. 

Once you have taken on all responsibilities that your boss has asked of you, it is time for the next step. 

During this time you want to be in constant communication with your boss. 

Why? 

Because you want to proactively communicate wins. Your boss isn’t watching you all day long (let’s hope not anyway). So communicating your wins will keep reminding them what a performer you are. 

Step 4: Send the Email to ask for a Raise

This step should be no surprise to your boss. You have already made it clear that your goals are to grow with the company. Then you took on all the tasks and responsibilities they asked of you. Now it is time to ask for a raise via email. 

If your first meeting was within the year, you can even opt to send this on the same chain. 

Subject: Meeting Request – Your Name

Dear Bosses Name,

I am truly thankful for the opportunity to work for you as an analyst for Acme inc. I can not thank you enough for your guidance to take my career to the next level. Over the past year, my responsibilities at Acme have grown significantly, and I not only consistently complete all of these responsibilities, but I do so with an exceptional quality of work. I would, therefore, like to respectfully request a meeting to review my salary.

As you know, my salary has remained the same since I was hired in 20XX. Since then, I have happily added some duties to my workload that have allowed me to contribute even more to the company. For example, I took on the creation and submission of all P&Ls to executive management. In addition, I have headed our weekly team meetings.   

I believe that my increasing contributions to the company and my new qualifications justify a pay raise.

I would love the opportunity to meet with you to discuss a raise in my salary. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Firstname Lastname

Analyst

Acme Inc.

321 Finance Street 

Jonestown, GA 00000

555-555-5555

firstname.lastname@email.com

Step 5: Prepare for the Meeting with Scripts

Once a time is set, it is now time to prepare for the meeting. Be prepared for questions that your boss may ask about your work. 

Many people go into these meetings expecting their boss to remember every little accomplishment. Your boss is very busy. Chances are, they have only noticed 50% of what you’ve done. 

That is why active communication in step 3 is so important. So, come prepared with details of every accomplishment and responsibility you have taken on. 

Work on scripts for common objections and questions. Here are a few that I have seen over my career: 

Manager: Thank you for that overview of your accomplishments. While I agree that you’ve contributed a great deal to the company, a raise of X% may not be possible at this time. 

Response: From my research, X% is a reasonable raise in my position and tenure. Can you tell me why that may not be possible at this time? 

Manager: That amount is not something I have in the budget right now but it’s something I may be able to grant in the future.

Response: I appreciate your consideration. Since we agree that my work merits a raise in the future when would be a better time to discuss a raise? 

Manager: I can not grant a request like this. I will have to go through management. 

Response: I truly appreciate your consideration. What can I do to help with the request for management? Is there a good time to follow up with you? 

Remember, this is a collaboration with your boss. In no way should there be any hostility or frustration when they ask these questions. 

Be professional and courteous to the end.    

Step 6: Attend the Meeting 

Have the meeting. Your preparation and scripts will allow you to crush it! Focus on why you deserve the raise. For the love of Pete, do not focus on why you need a raise. This can actually crush your chances. 

Here is an opener to break the ice: 

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.  As an analyst at Acme inc, I’m excited to keep working towards key company goals and grow my personal responsibilities. As a result, I’d like to discuss my salary.

Based on the research I’ve done, a salary increase of X% is appropriate.

In the time since my last salary adjustment, I’ve worked on several initiatives that have added significant value to the company. We have met a number of times to discuss what I need to take my career to the level. <DISCUSS THOSE RESPONSIBILITIES>. I have taken on those responsibilities and performed at the top level. 

For these reasons, I feel I have earned a raise. 

Allow time for your boss to ask questions. Explain in detail your findings and why you deserve a raise. 

What if My Boss Says No

The worst that can happen is your boss says no. You have to be prepared to potentially get rejected. But, if you keep implementing this system you will get a raise. 

Why? 

Because this is a systematic way to work harder than everyone else at your job and let your boss in on all your accomplishments. You will eventually get a raise. 

If you feel you have put in the time and hours (over the course of a few years) and still don’t get a raise after asking a number of times. It may be time to move on. There’s no reason to stay at a job that does not allow you to grow. 

3 More Scripts that Help You Land A Raise

Sometimes, it helps to see other scripts and tailor them to your situation. Here are a few more scripts you can use to ask for a raise in an email. 

1.) Lengthy but Direct 

Hi Bosses Name: 

I have truly appreciated working for Acme Inc. for the past two years. In those years, I have become an integral member of the media team, and have developed innovative ways to contribute to the company.

For example, in the past year alone, I have achieved the following goals:

  • Team Lead on the highest-grossing product.
  • Brought on numerous new clients via networking events. 
  • Voluntarily trained incoming staff. 

I believe I have gone above and beyond my role. The clients I have brought on have grossed 3.2 million alone. 

I would, therefore, appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss increasing my salary so that it aligns with my current performance. 

I am grateful to be a member of this organization, and I enjoy taking on assignments that allow me to contribute to the company.

Would any of these times work for you? 

Date Time 

Date Time 

Date Time

Thank you for your time. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

2. Short and Sweet 

Hi Bosses Name 

Given my wonderful results and increased responsibility to Acme Inc., I would like to discuss increasing my salary/pay to [x] per year. Based on my research, I believe this compensation would be appropriate for someone with my experience, proven track record, and loyalty to the company.

I would love to discuss further. I look forward to our conversation. 

Kind regards,

[your name]

3.) The Sell Yourself Email 

Good Morning Bosses Name, 

During the past [time period], I have taken on additional responsibilities and tasks, which have further improved my expertise and knowledge and performed at the highest level. 

***List those responsibilities and tasks here. 

Therefore, I am asking to meet with you to discuss a salary raise. I have been committed to every challenge, and believe I deserve a pay raise in accordance with industry standards. 

I would love to discuss these options further.  

Best regards,

[your name]

Key Takeaways

  • Always be in communication with your boss when asking for a raise. While an email may not always be appropriate, it is a great way to break the ice for a meeting. 
  • Prepare scripts for your email.
  • Always come to the meeting prepared with the average salary at your position, scripts for rejection, and how you want to sell yourself. 

Want a copy of all these scripts? Download them in a free ebook and printable here!

andrew
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