Six Steps to Writing a Raise Proposal to Your Boss

Sara Mahuron reports:

"Writing an official salary proposal is a great way to break the ice and ask for a raise without the awkwardness of asking face-to-face. This allows you to support your argument in a clear well-thought-out manner and gives your employer the opportunity to fully consider your request without feeling put on the spot. Your employer will appreciate your professionalism, even if the company is unable to grant your request...Know when to ask for a raise. If the economy is tough, your employer may be struggling to pay current salaries. If you don't already know, inquire about the health of the company before you assume it can afford award raises. Also be certain that your performance deserves a raise. Time your request around a recent accomplishment or following a series of recognitions...Ask for the raise in the first paragraph of your letter. Do not beat around the bush. Be clear about what you want and the purpose of the letter...Justify your request for a raise in the body of your letter. Research the average pay for your position, factoring in your education level and region. Your justification should be fact[-]based and written objectively, not based on your opinion or simply because you need more money. Also account for the economy and consider its impact on current salaries...Write in a professional and positive tone, refraining from allowing any emotion, desperation or personal issues to surface in your request. It is important that your writing sounds confident and that you show consideration for the business too...Show your employer the same gratitude you are hoping to get in return -- through a raise. Expressing that you are otherwise satisfied with your job, makes your pay an isolated incident worth considering. If you are disgruntled with your job in general, your employer may realize a pay raise will not solve anything in the long term...Prepare for the answer -- even if it is no. Accept the answer professionally and be courteous; sometimes the timing is just not right no matter how valuable you are to the employer. Thank your employer for considering the raise and consider asking for alternatives such as a better title or additional vacation time in lieu of a raise."