Negotiate salary by email

The art of negotiating a salary by email! While it's generally recommended to have salary negotiations in person or over the phone, email can be a good option if you're unable to have a conversation with your employer or if you're more comfortable putting your thoughts in writing. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you negotiate your salary by email:

Before you start

  1. Research the market: Know the average salary range for your position in your location to make a strong case for your desired salary.
  2. Know your worth: Make a list of your skills, qualifications, and achievements to demonstrate your value to the company.
  3. Set a target salary range: Based on your research and self-evaluation, set a realistic target salary range that you feel comfortable with.

The email structure

  1. Introduction: Start with a polite and professional greeting, addressing your employer by their title and last name.
  2. Summary of your achievements: Briefly summarize your accomplishments and the value you've added to the company.
  3. Request for salary discussion: Clearly state that you're writing to request a salary discussion and explain why you believe you deserve a salary increase.
  4. Target salary range: Provide your target salary range, explaining why you've set it at that level.
  5. Supporting evidence: Include any relevant data or statistics that support your request, such as market research or performance metrics.
  6. Conclusion: Reiterate your enthusiasm for the company and your role, and express your hope for a positive outcome.

Example email

Subject: Request for Salary Discussion

Dear [Employer's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to discuss my salary with you. Over the past [X] months/years, I've been dedicated to my role at [Company Name] and have made significant contributions to the team. Some of my key achievements include [briefly mention 2-3 specific accomplishments].

I've been with the company for [X] years and have consistently delivered high-quality results while taking on additional responsibilities. I believe my hard work and dedication warrant a salary increase. Based on my research, I've set a target salary range of $X to $Y, which I believe is more in line with industry standards.

I'd like to highlight that [insert specific data or statistics that support your request]. I believe this demonstrates my value to the company and justifies a salary adjustment.

I want to emphasize that I truly enjoy working at [Company Name] and appreciate the opportunities I've had here. I'm excited about the prospect of continuing to contribute to the company's success and would like to discuss a salary increase that reflects my worth.

Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your response and to continuing our conversation.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Tips and best practices

  1. Be professional and polite: Use a formal tone and avoid being confrontational or aggressive.
  2. Be specific: Provide concrete examples and data to support your request.
  3. Be flexible: Be open to negotiation and willing to consider alternative solutions.
  4. Keep it concise: Keep your email brief and to the point.
  5. Proofread: Double-check your email for spelling and grammar errors before sending it.

Remember that negotiating a salary by email can be a bit more challenging than in-person negotiations, as you may not be able to have an immediate response or discussion. Be patient and prepared to follow up with a phone call or in-person meeting if necessary. Good luck!