How to Write a Professional Letter Asking for a Raise

Any employee that performs her assigned duties and excels at her given tasks should be allowed to ask for a raise. The factors that your boss will consider are your longevity at the company, your performance history and your supervisors’ reviews. Armed with these positive facts, you should be able to write a professional letter that will put forth a constructive case that will allow your boss to make an informed decision regarding a raise.

Things You'll Need

• Salary history
• Suggested raise
• Performance reviews

Instructions

1. Place the date at the top of your letter. Then follow the standard business letter format for addressing your letter. Here is an example:

   Date

   Name of recipient

   Title

   Address

2. Use the opening sentence to note that the purpose of the letter is to obtain a raise. You can begin with stating the amount of time you have been at the company since your last raise.

3. In a couple of sentences write out the history of your job performance. This should include any supervisor reviews of your work.

4. Detail your current salary. Be specific with your request for a raise. It will help to know what other workers at your level are currently making.

5. Close the letter with a sentence or two talking about your loyalty to the company and desire for a continuing relationship. Sign the letter at the bottom of the page. If appropriate, hand deliver the letter to your boss.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid e-mailing your request. A typewritten letter is more professional.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Write Express: Business Letter Format Tips