Let’s be honest, asking for a raise can feel intimidating. It’s one of those conversations that can make even the most confident professionals pause. One wrong word, and you might end up losing your chance to earn what you truly deserve.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. In 2025, professionals who approach salary discussions tactically, with data and confidence, are the ones who win.
Here are a couple of pointers that will make asking for a salary increment a lot easier.
Document Everything
While you must be thinking that your manager is aware of the work that you are doing, remember, your manager is indulging in multiple things, so he/she might forget the contributions that you have made.
But at the time of salary negotiation, if you have a document mentioning all the things that you have done, then you can justify why you’re asking for a raise in the first place. So remember: written proofs are always greater than verbal claims.
Check the Industry Stats
You have been in this role for a long time, but you are not aware of the market rates. That’s a big red flag as a corporate employee.
Asking for a raise doesn’t mean you just throw a number and then wish for the stars to make it happen. Research, research, research. Talk to industry peers and know your worth.
Because if you work hard, you deserve to be paid fair compensation for that.
Keep It Professional
Always remember the person you are speaking to is also a human being. They might have their biases, and in any scenario, you have to remain calm.
Don’t use foul language or bad-mouth your manager in front of your colleagues if you don’t get the desired pay. Because this will ruin your chances of getting the raise — even worse, you could lose your job.
So always talk with dignity and respect, and make sure you justify your points strategically and smartly while maintaining your demeanour.
Pick the Right Slot
More often than not, choosing the wrong time will also go against you. For example, if your manager is in a bad mood, asking for a raise at this time will definitely make it difficult for you to ask for one.
He/She might reject your request altogether. So you don’t want to be in this situation — choose a time that works for you both and try to gain your win.
Write a Formal Mail
You can’t just pick a time and then ask your manager to discuss the raise. It should be communicated to them professionally and with solid documentation so that they can’t deny your request even if they want to.
Here’s the sample template that you can use to share with your manager to ask for a salary raise:
Sample Email Template To Ask For a Salary Increment
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to take a moment to discuss my current role and compensation. Over the past [X months/years], I’ve taken on additional responsibilities such as [mention key responsibilities, projects, or achievements — e.g., leading new initiatives, handling key clients, improving metrics, etc.], and have consistently worked towards achieving our team’s goals.
Given the scope of my contributions and the impact they’ve had on [team/company/project outcomes], I’d like to request a review of my current compensation. I’m confident that my performance and added responsibilities warrant a revision that reflects my contributions and commitment to the team.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this in more detail at your convenience. Thank you for your time and for always supporting my growth here.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Check Your Options
After you’ve had that discussion, you now have the opportunity to think about whether you want to work in the same company if the raise is fair or if you want to switch your job.
The reason should be tactical and well thought through. Always look for three things in your role:
- Are you learning something new here?
- Does your role align with your long-term goal?
- Is your pay good?
You should have at least two out of three factors to stay in your job role.
Stay Curious
If you have decided to stay in your current role, then be curious to learn a lot of new things and practice them while being on the job.
It’s better to stay updated on your work, and if you want to move out, then platforms like Apna Jobs will help you find your next job role quicker and easier.
Connect with HRs directly and get something that suits your growth.
Wrap Up!
Asking for a salary increase isn’t just about the figure; it’s about understanding your value, supporting it with evidence, and expressing it confidently.
When you enter the conversation with clarity, preparation, and respect, you not only negotiate better pay but also show that you are a professional who values growth and contribution.
Remember, the aim is not just to earn more, but also to grow in skills, confidence, and opportunities.
If your current position doesn’t match your growth goals, explore other options. Platforms like Apna Jobs can help you find roles where your talent and hard work are truly appreciated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How often should I ask for a salary increment?
You should ideally ask for a salary increase once every 12 months, as long as you have demonstrated clear progress, taken on new responsibilities, or produced measurable results. Asking too regularly without significant accomplishments can lessen the impact of your request.
2. How can I justify my raise if I don’t have numbers to show?
Even if you don’t have precise metrics, you can emphasize your areas of impact — such as process improvements, team support, creative ideas, or tasks that saved time or enhanced efficiency. Focus on outcomes and your initiatives. Your initiatives will show the manager that you care about the company.
3. How much of a salary increase should I ask for?
A reasonable range is between 20% to 30%, depending on your current pay, industry standards, and your contributions to the company. Always back your request with market research and your documented accomplishments.
4. What if my manager denies my salary increment request?
Stay calm and professional. Ask for constructive feedback and find out what you need to accomplish to qualify for a raise in the future. Use that feedback as a guide to improve your standing. If growth continues to seem limited, consider other opportunities.
