With the cost of living continuing to rise, many professionals in the agriculture, food production, and horticulture industries are finding it more difficult to make ends meet. A dollar today can only buy about 56% of what it could buy in the year 2000. Unfortunately, the average salary has not increased sufficiently to make up for skyrocketing costs.If you think this could be you, it may be time to speak with your manager.
Signs It’s Time to Ask for a Raise
It’s natural to feel uncomfortable asking for more money. However, if you haven’t received a periodic raise, it may be time.
Here are a few indications it may be time to speak with your manager and send a negotiating salary offer email:
- The market rate for your job is higher than what they’re paying you.
- You’ve taken on more job responsibilities without a compensatory increase in salary.
- You’ve received an attractive offer from a competing company.
- You’re being promoted.
- The company you work for is doing well and you can confidently show how you contributed to its success.
Any of these situations warrant a salary negotiation. Don’t undercut your efforts, accomplishments, or work ethic by taking a salary that’s lower than what you are hoping for.
How To Negotiate a Salary
Now that you know you’re not out of line by requesting increased pay, it’s time to take action. While there can be circumstances where you need to send an email, it’s better to ask for a raise in person, or over video if you are remote. After you speak to your boss in person about your request, let them know you will send a follow up email to provide a written record to refer to throughout the negotiation process. Here’s how to write a stellar email negotiating your salary.
Step 1: Begin Cordially
You never want to come across as too demanding when requesting an increased salary. To start off on the right foot, begin your email by addressing the recipient cordially and sincerely. Use a formal greeting such as “Dear [Name]” instead of beginning too casually. This will help set the right tone for the rest of your email.
Step 2: Express Appreciation for Your Ag Job
Before diving into the main reason for your salary negotiation email, briefly begin by expressing your appreciation for your job. Talk about all the great things you love about your job and the people you work for. This will help you avoid coming across as ungrateful and will establish a more amiable tone.
Step 3: Present Your Salary Increase Request
Now that you’ve established a professional and friendly tone, it’s time to get to the point of your email. You don’t want to bury your salary increase request too far in or your employer might lose interest reading before getting to it.
Respectfully state your request for a higher salary. Whenever possible, request an acceptable pay range instead of putting down a precise number. For example, you might request that your $45,000 salary be raised to between $50,000 and $55,000. That way your boss won’t feel backed into a corner when they receive your salary negotiation email.
Step 4: Give Details Regarding Your Accomplishments
To make your case for an increase in pay, be prepared to give details regarding your accomplishments. Explain how you have helped the company get to the level of success it enjoys today. Quantifiable data is often the most compelling, so be as detailed as possible. For example, if you helped implement a new system that improved your food production company’s quality control processes, mention it. Use your valuable contributions as leverage for a well-deserved raise.
Step 5: End by Graciously Thanking Your Employer
End your salary negotiation email by graciously thanking your employer for all the opportunities you’ve been given so far and for considering your request. Acknowledge that you have continued interest in the job but feel a pay increase would help create a fairer working arrangement.
Step 6: Proofread, Then Proofread Again
Don’t even think about sending your completed email until you’ve proofread it a few times. Check for obvious problems like spelling or grammatical errors. Also, don’t forget to make sure your email has the right tone and stays professional throughout. You may wish to have a trusted family member review the email to ensure it comes across as intended.
Step 7: Send Your Email
Once you’re satisfied that your salary negotiation email is well-written and will be well-received, it’s time to send it off. Try not to be too nervous about the outcome of your salary increase request. Remember, the worst thing that can happen is for your boss to reject your request. In that case, speak to your manager about what you can do to work your way to your requested salary.
Find More Negotiation Tips and Career Advice
To grow your career, keep up on career tips and more at AgHires.com. AgHires also has over 10,000 jobs in the food production, agriculture, or horticulture industries. Begin your job search at AgHires.
