Saying “I want a raise” at work
Why it can fall flat
“I want a raise”
The word “want” in “I want a raise” puts the focus on your wishes instead of the value you bring, so it can sound like a demand with no reasoning. Usually you are after a serious conversation about pay, backed by your work.
Say this instead
- 01
Hi Olivia, I'd like to set up a time to talk about my pay. I want to go through what I've taken on this year and where I think my salary should be.
Boss · Email
A good first request, since it asks for a meeting, shows you've prepared and doesn't force an answer on the spot.
- 02
Hi Kunal, do you have 20 minutes this week to talk about my salary? I'd like to make the case for a raise and want to come prepared.
Boss · Chat
Fits a manager you chat with daily, because it names the topic directly and gives them time to think.
- 03
Hi Farah, I'm following up on the pay conversation we pushed back. Could we book a time in the next two weeks? I'd like it settled before the next review cycle.
Boss · Email
Helps when a pay discussion was postponed and has gone quiet, since it restates the request and sets a timeframe.
- 04
Hi Girish, based on my work this year and what my role involves now, I'm asking for a salary of £48,000. I can send a short summary of my results before we meet.
Boss · Email
Best when you already know your number, because naming a figure makes the request concrete and easier to act on.
- 05
Hi Anil, could we find 15 minutes this week to talk about my pay? Thanks!
Boss · SMS
Suits a manager you already text, as it is short, casual and raises the topic without any detail.
- 06
I'm looking for a step up from my current salary, ideally around £55,000. Is that within range for this role?
Recruiter / HR · Chat
Early in a hiring process this states your target clearly and checks fit before either side invests more time.
- 07
Hi Laura, from July 1 my day rate will be £350. This reflects the wider scope of work I now handle for you. Happy to talk it through if useful.
Client · Email
Freelancers and contractors can use this to state a new rate plainly, give a reason and give notice before it starts.
Examples
Hi Olivia, I'd like to talk about my salary. Since January I've taken over the monthly reporting and trained two new joiners, and I think my pay should reflect that. Could we meet for 30 minutes next week? Thanks, Devon
That works, thanks. Could we put a date in the calendar now, say the first week after the quarter ends? I'll send you a short summary of my work beforehand so we can use the time well.
What to avoid
- Ultimatums such as “pay me more or I'm leaving” backfire unless you truly mean them.
- Comparing your pay to a named colleague's shifts attention away from your own work and results.
- Mentioning it in passing at the end of another meeting makes it easy to brush aside, so ask for dedicated time.
- Opening with “Sorry to bother you” undercuts a reasonable business request.
- Leading only with personal expenses weakens the case, so tie the request to what you do and have delivered.