Negotiating a salary raise may be nerve-racking. However, writing a salary negotiation email is an excellent approach to start the conversation and pitch your request for a raise. You may improve your chances of successfully negotiating a higher salary by following a few key steps and using a good example of a salary negotiation email.
Before sending a salary negotiation email, do your homework and build a compelling argument for why you deserve a raise.
What are the compelling reasons for requesting a salary increase?
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Increased responsibilities
Employees are typically given more challenging duties and responsibilities when they demonstrate their ability to perform successfully and fulfill expectations. However, If your job duties are beyond your job description, you can confidently request a raise.
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Outstanding performance
It is a good time to ask for a raise if you have consistently exceeded expectations and have an established track record of performance.
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Industry benchmarks
If you have benchmarked your salary against industry standards and find that your pay is much lower than the average or that your pay does not meet the average salary increase, this can be used to justify a raise request.
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Experience and expertise
If you recently obtain a new certificate in your sector of work or develop greater expertise in a certain aspect of your job, you can try to ask for a raise. Employees are generally regarded as important resources when they develop experience and competence in their profession, and they may be given more duties to put their talents and knowledge to use.
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Economic circumstance
Inflation is a solid reason to request a raise since it impacts the cost of living and an employee’s capacity to satisfy basic necessities and costs. Requesting a raise due to inflation shows that an employee is aware of the economic circumstances and is actively looking for a solution to address the issue with the employer in order to continue working for the company.
What should you include in a pay negotiation email?
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Explanation of why you deserve a raise
You may demonstrate your accomplishment. Highlight your accomplishments or finished projects. You may also just bring up the inflation issue. However, you have to have an explanation of why you deserve a raise.
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Give a clear amount
Giving a specific figure in a salary negotiation is essential since it provides a measurable estimate for the negotiation process. You are signaling to your employer that you have done your research and understand your market value by presenting a particular amount.
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Be Confident
Confidence may help you express yourself clearly and assertively. Employers are more likely to respond positively to a person who is confident in their talents and who knows exactly what they want.
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Be short and sweet
It is important that the salary negotiation email be short and to the point. Shorter emails are simpler to read, comprehend, and respond to. By keeping the email brief, you enhance the chances that your boss will read the full message and pay attention to it. This is especially crucial when addressing sensitive matters like compensation since it reduces uncertainty and misconceptions.
However, it is critical to be positive and avoid making any bad comments about the company or your coworkers.
Salary negotiation email examples:
Subject: Request for Salary Increase
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’d like to talk about my current salary and request a raise.
Over the past year, I have always exceeded my performance goals and taken on additional responsibilities, including [provide specific examples of your accomplishments]. I believe that my dedication and hard work have contributed significantly to the team and company’s success.
With that being said, I would like to receive a pay rise. According to my research, the market rate for someone with my skills and expertise is [$X]. I feel that this is how much I should be paid, and the salary rise would not only represent my existing contributions to the firm but would also drive me to continue to perform my work.
I would appreciate the opportunity to talk about this request further with you. Please let me know if there is a time that would be convenient for us to talk.
Looking forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Subject: Request for Salary Review and Negotiation
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to request a raise in my salary.
The cost of living has risen dramatically in the last year as a result of high inflation rates. I believe I should be paid more in order to keep up with the inflation rate.
I have been working at our company for [number of years] and I am proud to be a part of such a great organization. I have consistently exceeded my performance expectations and have taken on additional responsibilities in my role. I am confident that my contributions will keep adding value to our company.
Given the current economic conditions, I believe it would be the right time to discuss the possibility of a salary increase. I am confident that a salary increase will enable me to meet my financial obligations while also increasing my level of engagement at work.
I would be happy to discuss this matter further with you and provide additional information if necessary.
I appreciate your time and consideration of my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Some good sentences to use in your salary negotiation email
“I believe that my current salary does not fairly represent the increasing obligations I have and the value I provide to the company.”
“I did market research and discovered that my present salary is lower than the industry average for similar positions.”
“As a long-term employee, I feel my devotion and loyalty to the firm justify a raise in my pay.”
“My knowledge, skills, and performance have improved since I started working at our company, and I believe that my pay should reflect and recognize these improvements.”
“As you may have seen, the inflation rate is historically high, and I realized that my present salary does not reflect this trend adequately.”
“I’ve been keeping a close eye on the inflation rate, and I believe that my salary should keep up with these changes to reflect the rising cost of living.”
“A raise, I believe, would be a good motivator for me to continue to be a productive and active part of the team.”
What after?
Remember that sending a salary negotiation email is only the first step in the process of requesting a raise. You should be prepared to negotiate with your boss further after the email.
Normally, you can expect your employer to respond to your pay negotiation email within a few days, either agreeing to your request or providing feedback or a counteroffer. They can also request further information by setting up a meeting to further investigate your request. So be prepared!
It is also possible that the expected replies can be postponed sometimes, especially if your boss is busy or on leave soon. It’s appropriate to wait a few days to a week before following up.
In my case, I worked as a digital marketing specialist for my company for a year. I added a screenshot from Glassdoor and the industry average salary figures to my email, which I then sent to my boss. My boss answered my email the same day to confirm receipt of my request, and after a three-week wait, my request was approved.
Conclusion
If you’ve never negotiated your salary before, it’s definitely worth a shot because you have nothing to lose. The majority of employers are eager to accommodate their employees’ demands and establish long-term relationships with them. It is essential to approach your salary negotiation with a well-prepared argument supported by facts and proof, as well as to explain your worth to the company. Good luck!
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