Requesting more money through a salary negotiation letter can be intimidating. When you receive a job offer, you don’t want to offend a potential employer. To maintain a healthy relationship with the company, it is important to ask for a higher salary in a polite, professional manner.It can be frustrating when you’re offered a position but the salary presented is lower than what you were hoping for. When your boss says he or she values you but fails to increase your pay, you may become irritated and allow your emotions to affect your job performance. This can lead to poor work relationships or even cause dissatisfaction with your job.Use our salary negotiation letter templates to prove you deserve a raise without appearing greedy or demanding. Chose the best format for your situation from our options below to write a letter that is both confident and professional.
Salary Negotiation Letter Template
Jack Booth wrote the following letter. Jack received a promotion that included a higher position within the company and many added responsibilities. He wrote this letter because he didn’t feel his pay increase reflected his increased workload and new title. While Jack’s current level of compensation frustrated him, he wrote his letter in a way that was not demanding or angry.
Dear Scott,
I very much appreciate the promotion you have given me and look forward to the positive impact I can make in my new role. I am grateful you considered me worthy of increased responsibility and am eager to demonstrate the value I can add to the company.
After gaining an understanding of the extra time and energy necessary for me to perform my job duties with excellence, I would like to request a pay increase. My new position will require additional travel and time spent away from home. This is an added inconvenience and limits the amount of time I am able to work from my office. Also, leading a larger team will mandate extra attention and energy in order to ensure it operates efficiently. It is for these reasons that I am asking you to raise my salary by an extra $5,000.
I believe the amount I requested is fair, and I will work diligently to benefit the company in many ways that result in growth above and beyond the goals you originally set for me. I look forward to working more closely with you and am eager to continue exceeding expectations and delivering excellent results.
Respectfully Yours,
Jack Booth
How To Write a Salary Negotiation Letter
As you write your salary negotiation letter, it is important to make sure you’re asking for something reasonable. If your letter demands a salary or bonus above the range typical for the position, you may seem too proud or greedy and threaten your future with the company. Because it is easy to offend an employer with this type of letter, it is crucial to make your requests politely and honestly.
When crafting your first paragraph, choose language that is direct and positive. Express your gratitude to the company for their job offer, the promotion you received, or the increased responsibilities they entrusted you with. It is also helpful to mention a few ways you intend to have a positive impact on the company. Our salary negotiation letter template demonstrates how to write an opening paragraph that is sincere and upbeat.
The purpose of the second paragraph is to state the specific part of your salary you wish to negotiate. Extra vacation time, a larger salary, or an increased bonus would all fall under this category. Even if the initial proposal seems offensively low, take caution not to use negative or angry words as you write your letter. When you sound upset or demanding, you may cause the company to rescind their offer of a position or promotion. Instead, provide honest justification as you make your request to show your readers you deserve it and are not merely being greedy.
Use the final paragraph to close your letter in a positive way. Mention your anticipation of accepting the position or your eagerness to work for the company in a new role. Reiterate the value you desire to bring and the positive impact you wish to have.
What To Avoid in Your Salary Negotiation Letter
A common mistake people make when writing this type of letter is to ask for exactly what they want. This doesn’t leave any room for the company to come back with a counter-offer you would find acceptable. Instead, request slightly more than you’re actually hoping for. In some cases, you may end up getting more money that you were wanting, but asking for a higher amount will at least leave wiggle room for negotiation.
You should also avoid making a salary request without providing adequate reasons why it is necessary. Most companies are looking for ways to save money and decrease spending, so in order for your letter to result in a positive response, you need to use examples to justify your request. Your employer needs to see the value in paying you more.
Keep the tone of your letter conversational and genuine rather than confrontational and demanding. Employers are much more likely to give more money to employees that are polite and professional in all their interactions. Communicating well in an uncomfortable situation such as a salary negotiation can add to your value as an employee.
If you still don’t hear a formal reply, send your boss an email to find out when the interview process is going to start. Being persistent about the opportunity shows how eager you are to grow within the company.
Possible reactions to your salary negotiation letter can include everything from complete acceptance to entire rejection. Be prepared for your next step whatever the case may be. In many instances, the company will make some concessions and you can come to an agreement that satisfies you. If you do reach a settlement, make sure to get the final agreement in writing.
Keep in mind that a company unwilling to negotiate may not provide the best environment for its employees. If the company ignores or completely rejects your salary negotiation letter, you may need to walk away and find a company that better meets your requirements. Even in this type of situation, remain calm and professional so you don’t burn bridges for the future.
Top 5 Salary Negotiation Letter Writing Takeaways
1. Make polite requests about your salary
Position the items you would like to negotiate as respectful requests instead of greedy demands. Keep the tone of your letter upbeat and courteous to hold the interest of the reader.
2. Provide logical justification for your request
Mention geographic or economic situations that influence your need for a larger salary rather than complaining about how much you work or how low the offer is. You can also speak to company-specific factors like pay structure or bonus potential that make a higher salary necessary.
3. Sell your value
When you describe ways you could benefit the company you can help an employer realize you deserve more pay. By allowing your readers to see areas where you will improve their bottom line, you can increase your value to the company.
4. Remember: Always ask for more than you want
It is essential to leave room for negotiation. You can’t expect employers to agree with all your requests, so ask for a larger amount than you need to help guarantee you are happy with the outcome.
5. Keep your requests reasonable
Make sure the amount you’re asking for falls within a reasonable range for the position. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, it is rude to ask for a salary that exceeds the high end of the typical salary range. Avoid seeming arrogant or greedy by keeping your request realistic.
