DraftBetterDifficult conversation guide
How to ask for a raise in a message
A raise request can feel awkward because you are talking about money, value, and approval at the same time. The strongest version is specific, evidence-based, and direct enough that your manager knows what decision you are asking for.
Anchor the request in impact
Start with the work you have done and the value it created. This does not need to become a long brag sheet, but it should give your manager concrete reasons to consider the request.
Use outcomes where you can: revenue, retention, workload handled, speed, quality, customer impact, team support, or responsibilities that changed since your last compensation review.
Make the ask visible
Do not hide the request behind "I was wondering if we could maybe talk sometime." A manager should be able to read the message once and understand that you want to discuss compensation.
You can still sound collaborative. Directness helps the conversation become easier to schedule and harder to misunderstand.
Ask for a meeting or review path
If your company has a formal compensation process, ask how to enter it. If it does not, ask for a dedicated conversation and give your manager a short preview of what you want to cover.
- "Could we schedule time this week to discuss my compensation?"
- "I would like to review my role, recent impact, and whether my salary can be adjusted to match that scope."
- "If there is a formal process I should follow, can you point me to the right next step?"
Example wording
Could we schedule time this week to discuss my compensation? Over the last six months I have taken on launch ownership, supported two new teammates, and helped reduce turnaround time on client requests. I would like to review whether my salary can be adjusted to match the current scope of my role.
Thank you for the feedback in my review. Given the outcomes we discussed and the added responsibilities I have taken on, I would like to talk about a salary adjustment. What would be the right next step to evaluate that?
FAQ
Should I include a specific salary number?
Include a number if you have done market research and feel ready to negotiate. If you are unsure, ask for a compensation review first and prepare your range before the live conversation.
What if my manager says now is not a good time?
Ask what criteria, timeline, or business conditions would make the request possible. A clear follow-up date is better than leaving the answer as a vague no.
Draft the raise request before you send it
DraftBetter can help you make the message confident, specific, and professional without sounding demanding.