How to ask for a raise by email
Asking for a raise is nerve-racking, but a good email helps you open the conversation with confidence. Here's how to prepare it, with examples.
Many people wait for their company to offer a raise, and sometimes that moment never comes. Asking is normal and, done well, it's just another professional conversation.
Ideally, the email is for requesting a meeting, not for negotiating in writing. Here's how to prepare, when to ask and four examples.
Before you write: prepare your case
- Write down specific achievements from the past year: projects, results, new responsibilities.
- Quantify when you can: customers served, sales, time saved for the team.
- Research what your role pays in your industry and area.
- Decide on a figure or range before the meeting.
- Think of alternatives if there's no budget: training, more remote days or a date to revisit it.
When to ask
The best moments are right after a big win, when you take on new responsibilities or a few weeks before your company prepares next year's budget.
Avoid deadline days, very stressful weeks or right after bad news for the company.
4 emails to ask for a raise
1. Requesting the meeting
Subject: Could we talk about my salary? Hi [name], Would you have 20 minutes this week to talk about my salary? Over the past year I've [achievement], and I'd like to review my compensation so it reflects these new responsibilities. I'm happy to work around your schedule.
2. After taking on a new role
Subject: Salary review after my new role Hi [name], Since I took on [new responsibility] [time] ago, I'd like us to review my salary so it matches my current role. Could we discuss it in a short meeting?
3. Before the annual review
Subject: My salary review this year Hi [name], I know next year's budgets are being prepared soon. I'd like to talk about my salary beforehand and share this year's results with you.
4. Follow-up after the meeting
Subject: Thanks for yesterday's conversation Hi [name], Thank you for hearing me out yesterday. As discussed, we agreed to review my proposal by [date]. If you need any more information, just let me know.
What to avoid
- Negotiating in writing: the email is to request the meeting; the conversation is better face to face or by video call.
- Comparing your salary with a specific colleague's.
- Basing the request on personal needs rather than your work.
- Threatening to leave if you're not prepared to.
- Giving up after a first "no": ask what you'd need to achieve and request a date to revisit it.
Write it without freezing up
This email is hard to write because every word feels important. With NexoPad you can start from a template with a shortcut, for example /raise, and variables for your manager's name, your main achievement and the day you suggest.
When you type the shortcut, NexoPad asks for those details and writes the full email. That way you focus on what matters: choosing your arguments well. For a more formal tone, see our guide to writing a formal email.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to ask for a raise by email or in person?
Ideally, use email to request the meeting and discuss the raise in person or by video call.
Should I state the figure in the email?
There's no need. Bring your figure or range prepared for the meeting.
What if they say no?
Ask what you'd need to achieve to make it possible and agree on a date to revisit it. Then confirm what was agreed by email.
What if I end up deciding to change jobs?
You'll find examples in our guide to the resignation email.
Published on October 11, 20266 min read
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