When is the best time to ask for a raise?

The best time is before your annual performance review, or after completing a major project. Avoid asking during company-wide budget freezes or immediately after bad news. Timing matters as much as the letter itself.

How much of a raise should I ask for?

Industry standard is 5-15% for a cost-of-living increase, 10-20% if you've taken on significantly more responsibility, and up to 25%+ if you're underpaid relative to market rates. Research Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and Levels.fyi for your specific role.

Should I send a letter or ask in person?

Both. Send the letter 2-3 days before a scheduled meeting so your manager has time to review it. Then discuss it in person. The letter is the formal record; the meeting is where the real negotiation happens.

What if my manager says no?

Ask what it would take to get to your target salary, and set a specific timeline (e.g. '3 months'). Many raises are approved on the second ask - follow up with a new letter after 3 months.

Is it okay to mention competitor salaries?

Yes - and it's one of the most effective arguments. Use Variant B (market rate) for this. Back it with data from Glassdoor or LinkedIn. Frame it as market awareness, not a threat.

Can I use this for a job offer negotiation too?

Absolutely. Adjust the tone to be slightly more formal and use your target salary as the negotiated offer. The structure works for both internal raises and external offer negotiations.

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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about salary negotiation

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Frequently asked questions

Get the salary
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