Updated 3/14/2024
You want a salary increase but aren’t sure how to bring up the conversation with your boss. We get it. Maybe the right moment never seems to come, or nerves kick in every time you think about it. Whatever the reason, time keeps passing, and you still haven’t got the compensation you deserve. That’s why you should consider how to ask for a raise via email—a simple but effective step that could make the whole process less intimidating.
This may not be the most conventional approach, but there’s nothing wrong with it. Sending an email is actually a good way to introduce the subject and build your case before a face-to-face meeting. But how exactly should you do that? What should be said, and what should be avoided?
If your mind is stuck on these questions, read on for expert advice on how to ask for a pay raise via email, including an example and template.
Is it professional to ask for a raise through email?
Yes, asking for a raise via email can be a professional and effective way to start the conversation with your boss. Just make sure to do it right. “You should offer to schedule a follow-up conversation to discuss further details and next steps,” says Eloïse Eonnet, Muse career coach and founder of Eloquence.
When should you ask for a raise?
This is one of those situations where timing is everything. Before asking for a salary increase, take a moment to evaluate your company’s current climate and, of course, reflect on your own professional achievements. “People naturally reward others when there is a clear reason to,” says Eonnet.
