Deciding whether to ask for an early pay rise is always a difficult decison to make. You know you’re worth the extra money but you don’t necessarily want to antagonise your employer by asking for more money before the annual round of pay negotiations. However if you truly believe you warrant an increase in salary then use the following guidance and sample letter to go for it!
You should always start by doing some fact finding:
- What specialist skills do you possess?
- How much extra income did you bring into the business?
- Did you obtain lucrative contracts on your own merit?
- Have you created measurable cost saving methods/products?
- Are you working at a higher level to cover for staff absences?
- Are you considered as essential personnel?
- What salary are comparable jobs being paid at in other companies?
- Any other ways in which you are an asset to the business?
Make sure to mention these in your letter.
Letter requesting a salary increase – sample 1
Dear [manager’s name]
In my current role as [your job name] I am paid a salary of [amount], this was reviewed in [month] last year.
I have now worked for the company for [number] years and feel that I have carried out my work conscientiously during this time. Recently I have been working on [project name] and as a result of my efforts the company has been awarded a contract of [amount]. I would respectfully request that you consider awarding me a rise in salary to reflect the value my work has added to this year’s turnover.
I hope you will consider my request.
Yours sincerely,
[your name]
Letter requesting a salary increase – sample 2
Dear [manager’s name]
In my current role as [your job name] I am paid a salary of [amount], this was reviewed in [month] last year.
I have now worked for the company for [number] years and feel that I have carried out my work conscientiously during this time. Recently I have been acting floor supervisor to cover for the long term absence of [name] and would appreciate the opportunity to be paid for my work at the current rate for that role.
I realise that this is only a temporary position but my diligence and skills mean that I am certainly carrying out work at that level.
I hope you will consider my request.
Yours sincerely,
[your name]
Letter requesting a salary increase – sample 3
Dear [manager’s name]
In my current role as [your job name] I am paid a salary of [amount], this was reviewed in [month] last year.
I have now worked for the company for [number] years and feel that I have carried out my work conscientiously during this time. You will recall that in my own time I developed a [procedure / software etc] that was designed to save time and money during the manufacturing process. This has now been implemented and to my delight has proven to have saved the company [amount] during the first [six months] of use.
I would be grateful if you would consider awarding me a pay rise to reflect the fact that my efforts have added to the company’s profits this year and for the forseeable future.
I hope you will consider my request.
Yours sincerely,
[your name]
Letter requesting a salary increase – sample 4
Dear [manager’s name]
In my current role as [your job name] I am paid a salary of [amount], this was reviewed in [month] last year.
I have now worked for the company for [number] years and feel that I have carried out my work conscientiously during this time and I have recently been given extra duties and responsibilities.
With my current responsibilites and qualifications I believe a higher salary than I am currently receiving would be deserved. I have in fact been offered a job at another company carrying out the same duties but at a salary of [new salary], and although I have no wish to leave this employment as I am very happy here, I cannot afford to turn down this offer unless some improvement in my salary could be arranged.
I would be grateful if you would consider awarding me a pay rise otherwise I will have no other option but to accept the offer made to me.
I hope you will consider my request.
Yours sincerely,
[your name]
Letter Negotiating a Salary Increase – sample 5
Employer’s name
Company Name
Address
Postcode
Date
Dear (employer’s name)
I would like to start by thanking you for the opportunity you have given me to work at your company for the last two years. I feel that I have gelled well within the sales team and within the company. I feel I have accomplished all of the main objectives that were set within my role when I first joined (company name) and implemented some new objectives that have also been met. I have also improved on the initial sales targets that were set for me by at least 15% every month since joining.
When I started with (company name) there was a discussion that my salary would be reviewed within the first 18 months. However, I have now been on the same base salary for over two years and there has been no discussion of a salary increase. Salary negations after 18 months were discussed at my initial interview and I feel strongly that after two years the time has come to make a decision over the salary increase.
I realise that I do earn high levels of commissions on my sales but this should not detract from negotiations over my base salary. After researching base salary levels of similar sales positions in the area I would be agreeable to negotiating on a 15% to 20% annual increase on my base salary. I hope you will find this figure agreeable and that salary increase negotiations will be forthcoming.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to work within (company name) I have enjoyed my time here and hope to continue to do so.
Yours sincerely
Name
About