Prompt: How can I politely ask for a raise in an email?
Response: Asking for a raise can be intimidating, but with the right approach, you can make a strong case for why you deserve one. Here are some tips for crafting a polite email asking for a raise:
Start by thanking your employer for the opportunity to work for the company. Clearly state the reason for your email. For example: "I am writing to request a salary increase." Explain why you feel you deserve a raise. Be specific and provide examples of your contributions to the company. Provide any relevant information or data that supports your request, such as your job performance or industry benchmarks. Be open to negotiation and be prepared to discuss your request further in a meeting. End the email with a professional and polite closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Thank you for considering my request."
Here is an example of what your email might look like:
Dear [Employer], I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to work for [Company]. I have enjoyed my time here and feel that I have made valuable contributions to the team. I am writing to request a salary increase. I believe that my performance and contributions to the company warrant an increase in my pay. For example, I have [list specific achievements or responsibilities]. In addition, according to industry benchmarks, the average salary for a [your job title] with my level of experience and skills is [provide data]. I would be happy to discuss my request further in a meeting. Thank you for considering my request. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Long story short, I tweaked it to suit my specific situation and ultimately got every dollar I asked for. I went from ~$20/hr to $30/hr. No more of that shitty “here's your 50c increase for the year”. Real money. I used chatGPT to create this because when I asked my wife to proofread my original ask she suggested that it wasn't polite enough.
This was typed on mobile so formatting might be messed up. Sorry in advance.