There always comes a time when you have to approach salary negotiation, whether you are feeling underpaid at your current job or switching to a new one.
Although writing a salary negotiation email can feel like a task, we have you covered. In this piece, we will take you through the important tips of writing an email to negotiate your salary and also provide salary negotiation email samples for a better understanding.
But first, let's begin with what a salary negotiation email actually means.
What is a salary negotiation email?
So, the name salary negotiation email says it all. It is a formal email sent to recruiters or hiring managers or even your HR Business Partners to discuss and negotiate the initial salary stated.
Yes, even employees within an organization can draft a salary negotiation email to discuss and negotiate for a better hike during appraisal season.
You can cite reasons like inflation, or an increment to match your newly acquired degree/ certifications/ licenses, or even bridge the gap between your current salary and the workload.
Tips for writing a salary negotiation email
Here are a few tips you need to remember when drafting a salary negotiation email.
Be aware of your value
You need to know your worth when writing your salary negotiation email. Without knowing your value, you will not be able to sound convincing when negotiating salary.
Here are a few things you can consider when writing your salary negotiation email: Current work level, work experience, additional certifications/ licenses.
Do a thorough market research
Always do thorough market research when negotiating salary. This will help you gain an idea about what your peers working in similar positions are earning in the same location. This will also help provide a solid data-driven argument to build your case in your salary negotiation email.
You can check AmbitionBox’s salary calculator for a better understanding of how much you should be getting paid.
Be aware of your expenses
Your expenses are the most important factor to consider while negotiating salary in a new job. For example, if you are switching to a new job and have to relocate, ensure to point out the cost you need to incur in order to accept the job and ask for relocation benefits.
Ask for a higher salary than your requirement
A key tip when negotiating salary is to always quote a number higher than what you originally wanted. This allows you the space to bargain and get the package of your preference.
Take, for example, if you want an in-hand salary of INR 50,000, you can quote INR 55,000 as your desired amount and then open a conversation for negotiation.
Ask for compensation in other forms
Sometimes organizations are bound by a budget and although they cannot increase your quoted salary, they might compensate with some other benefit.
For example, you could ask for a more flexible work format like choosing a Hybrid work mode. So make sure to mention that you are open to accepting another form of compensation in your salary negotiation email wherever relevant.
Components to include in your salary negotiation email
Remember that a salary negotiation email is a form of a formal email. Therefore you need to make sure to draft the email in a professional tone and not sound impulsive.
Here are a few components you should include in your salary negotiation email.
- The complete name of the hiring manager/ recruiter/ respective HR
- A clear subject line to comprehend what the email is about
- An appropriate greeting, for example, Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss Anshika Dutt
- A clear opening statement that includes appreciation for the offer and the recruiter's time
- The next paragraph should include the request for a new proposal for a review of salary offered backed by the factors for the same
- The closing paragraph should highlight your interest in the job position and appreciation to the recruiter for their time and consideration
- The final component in the email includes your full name followed by your contact number (in case the recruiter wants to continue the negotiation over a call)
Salary negotiation email samples
Still, feeling nervous and confused about writing a salary negotiation email? Don't worry, we have you covered! Here are some salary negotiation email samples for you to feel inspired.
Request for salary increment due to inflation
Dear Mr. / Ms. {Recipient's name},
Subject: Request for Raise in Salary to Cope with Inflation
This whole year that I have worked at {company name} as {job position} has been a remarkable journey. Not only that but also this company has been my pride and joy.
However, with the change in times, it becomes harder to cope with the extra expenses that I need to incur. Therefore, with an increment in basic funds, I would be able to give a much better quality of performance to the company. I am willing to take my position to better places and in extending my capabilities to newer heights. All of which is, of course, aimed at benefiting the company best.
I am willing to open a dialogue about what more I could offer to the company next year so as to settle on more profitable terms.
Looking forward to your kind reply.
Thanking you
Yours truly,
{employee's name}
Request for Salary Increment Pre-Joining
Dear Mr. / Ms. {Recipient's name},
Subject: Request for Salary Increment
I would like to take the opportunity to thank you and {company's name} for offering me the position of {job title}. It is going to be a great pleasure working with the team.
I have also received the details of my salary that, after taxes, amounts to a total of {amount}. However, I am of the understanding that someone of my qualification level and stature in any other company would be given a minimum amount of {amount}.
I would be highly obliged if you could review my request. I am also willing to put in any extra effort that may be required on my part. If not an increment in salary, I would be interested to opt for other special privileges that the company might have to offer.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
{candidate's name}
Hopefully, you will find these salary negotiation email samples helpful while drafting your own salary negotiation email, especially with the appraisal season around the corner.
Apart from the above-mentioned tips, make sure to proofread your email for errors before sending it across to the concerned person.
Also, check and re-check the spelling of the addressee’s name and his/her designation.
All the Best!
