Should You Be Asking for a Raise By Email?

So what does it take to get a boss to give you a raise — even in a tough economy? Basically, you have to ask for it.  Not that you get it every time, but sometimes you do. So it’s at least worth trying. Does that include asking for a raise by email? Well, depends on the situation. I’ll get to that story soon.

Now I do know, no matter how you do it, asking for a raise can be very hard. And scary. But there are ways to help make it just a little more comfortable. And hopefully increase your chances of a “yes — or at least planting a seed for next time.

⇒  Why Are You So Afraid To Ask for a Raise?

 

“Asking for raise by email” story

Someone I know, Laura,  screwed up her courage and decided to approach her boss about a raise. But for several reasons, she finally decided to send her request in an email.

Now, if at all possible, I suggest face-to-face discussions with your boss when asking for a raise. And continued communication all along the way, since it helps build a better working relationship. And it opens you up to information and new possibilities that you may miss otherwise.

But I know not everyone out there feels comfortable doing that. And, as in Laura’s case, sometimes logistics (being in different towns, for instance) makes it difficult to sit down with your boss.

So because of the logistics, she chose to use e-mail to present a clearly written, bulleted case for the raise, along with comparative salaries. And asking for a raise by email worked. At least in her case.

Not every boss responds the same

I give credit to her boss too, for recognizing her value and responding to her request. As we all know, not all bosses are like that. But more than you may think are. Especially if you build that relationship to begin with.

Now, all that said, I still hope you strongly consider asking for a meeting rather than going the email route. There are so many (sometimes intangible) benefits to building an in-person relationship with your boss. Or using regular email, phone, and or even video conference contact if you are not in the same location. Regular contact is the key.

But I’m mostly writing this just to let you know if needed there is another way. And it certainly did work for Laura.  Don’t ever let distance stop you from asking for a raise or promotion or even suggesting a new project for yourself. This is your life, after all.

Asking by email or face-to-face

Here are some tips to help you in your approach … no matter how you decide to ask for a raise.

• Research your facts, including comparative salaries (you can use PayScale.com)
• Prepare a written presentation, including a bulleted list of things you’ve done to add value above and beyond the job’s basic stated responsibilities
• Keep your presentation simple and to the point
• Stay away from extraneous information like what other people are getting or doing – keep the focus on yourself and what you offer the company
• And above all … don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve.

About the author…

Ronnie Ann, founder of Work To the Wise and Work Coach Cafe, bases her real-world advice on her many years as an organizational consultant where she helped interview and hire people, added to a certificate from NYU in Career Planning & Development, as well as her many adventures as a serial job seeker.

Some more posts to help

Why Are You So Afraid To Ask for a Raise?

My Boss Promised a Raise and I Got ZILCH!

So You’re Not Getting a Raise … Again?

What To Ask For If You Didn’t Get a Raise

 

Real Problem (Maybe) If Your Job Feels Wrong

How To Change Your Job Without Quitting

Boss Won’t Let Me Transfer To a Different Department

How To Deal With a Bully Boss

 

What To Do If Your Boss Takes You For Granted

Do You Feel You’re Not Appreciated at Work?

My Boss Doesn’t Respect Me No Matter What I Do

Boss Doesn’t Communicate with Staff