
Get exclusive money-saving offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
If you've been working hard but feel like you're underpaid it could be time to put in a request for a pay rise. Avoid tripping over your words and make your case with a well-phrased request by preparing a Salary Increase Letter ahead of time.
Here, we take a look at how to write up your very own letter which will place you in the best light for salary negotiations.
A Salary Increase Letter is a formal request in writing to your employer for an increase in salary. It is usually accompanied by a meeting where you'll have an opportunity to discuss the points you've raised in the letter face-to-face.
At some businesses, salary increases are discussed during your year-end review or around the start of the new financial year. If there is no standard review period, and your boss is pleased with your work, then ensure sufficient time has passed since your last salary increase.
Another good time to present your Salary Increase Letter is after completing a big project or significant task successfully.
On the other hand, the timing around your request in relation to your company is also important. Consider how well the business has been performing and if it's been meeting its own goals. If it's been a bad year with redundancies or financial troubles, a pay rise could be a tough sell.
Some of the key components to include in a Salary Increase Letter are:
It's very important to avoid complaining or appearing negative when preparing your letter. Keep things positive and focus on your value to the company.
Here are some key points to avoid including in your Salary Increase Letter:
The main benefit of writing a Salary Increase Letter is that you get to research and plan your case for a pay raise in advance. Not everyone was born with the gift of negotiating but by following some simple guidelines or even using a ready-made template, you will be able to eloquently describe just why you're entitled to a salary increase.
It also shows your boss how serious you are about a salary increase. Anyone can schedule a meeting and rattle off some points but a well-phrased letter gives your employer a chance to review your case with all the justifications made clear.
No, you do not need a lawyer to help you prepare a Salary Increase Letter. While not a legally binding document, it does document your request should it be denied and removes any question of your boss taking the request seriously. If you would like a lawyer to review your request, consider the options below.
As with any professional document, you want to keep your letter clear, concise and simple. Here are some of our top tips to help you draft a successful Salary Increase Letter:
Asking for a pay raise is never easy. Fortunately, there are many resources available online to help you prepare your Salary Increase Letter. Below we've listed a few options to get your hands on a template and take the guesswork out of creating your first draft.
The skills, equipment and legal documents needed to start a delivery business.
Get a healthy dose of information to help you choose the right online pharmacy course for you.
Find out what to include in a web developer resume and how a customisable template could help you land your dream job.
Get set up for success with a CV that matches high-quality visuals with the right words.
Read these top tips to help you launch a successful fitness company.
Start your own eBook writing business with our guide to the skills, equipment and legal documents you’ll need.
If you’ve got a knack for languages, opening up a translation business can be an attractive career choice.
How to start an Auto Mechanic Business from scratch, from the equipment, licences to the skills you’ll need.
Learn how you can get started on your journey to a profitable career as a mechanic.
What you need to know before getting started with your timber flooring company.