How to say “I'd like a promotion and a raise” professionally
Why it can fall flat
“I'd like a promotion and a raise”
Usually said when someone has finally decided to ask, it gives no reasons, so it can sound like a demand and surprise your manager. You want a conversation where you make a clear case for the next level and its pay.
Say this instead
- 01
I'd like to discuss a promotion and a salary increase. Could we find 30 minutes in the next week or two? I'll bring a summary of what I've taken on this year.
Boss · Email
Choose this email when you want a proper meeting, since it names the topic and shows you have prepared.
- 02
Do you have 20 minutes this week? I'd like to talk about my next step here, specifically a promotion and a raise, and share what I've delivered.
Boss · Chat
This chat message fits a manager you talk to daily, as it is direct yet gives them time to prepare.
- 03
Since I took on the client onboarding work, I've been operating above my current title. I'd like to discuss a promotion and a pay increase that reflect that.
Boss · Email
Reach for this email when your responsibilities have clearly grown, because it ties the request to real work.
- 04
Hi Sofia, could we speak briefly tomorrow? I'd like to discuss a promotion and a raise. Happy to work around your calendar.
Boss · SMS
A manager you already text will find this easy to answer, and it asks for time without laying out the whole case.
- 05
Ahead of my review, I'd like to put forward a case for promotion to Senior Analyst and a matching salary increase. I've attached a one-page summary of my work this year.
Boss · Email
Send this before a formal review cycle, since it hands your manager something concrete to take upward.
- 06
I'm interested in the internal Team Lead opening. I'd like to be considered at that level, with pay that reflects the step up in responsibility.
Recruiter / HR · Chat
For an internal move, this chat raises the title and the pay together from the start.
- 07
I'm planning to ask for a promotion and a raise this cycle. Could you tell me how the process works and what usually goes into the decision?
Coworker · Chat
Try this with a colleague in HR or on a review panel who knows the process and can help you prepare.
Examples
Hi Rohit, I'd like to discuss a promotion to Senior Coordinator and a salary increase. Over the past year I've led the supplier onboarding process and trained two new team members. Could we find 30 minutes next week? I'll bring a short summary of my results. Thanks, Tamara
Hi Rohit, do you have 20 minutes this week? I'd like to talk about a promotion and a raise, and I'll bring a short summary of what I've delivered this year.
What to avoid
- Don't open with an ultimatum or a threat to leave unless you actually mean it.
- Leave out comparisons with a named colleague, and never quote what they earn.
- Personal needs like rent or rising costs shouldn't carry the whole case, so lead with your work and results.
- Apologizing for asking, with phrases like “sorry to bother you”, weakens your case.
- A hallway or the tail end of an unrelated meeting is the wrong place, so ask for proper time.