BlueSuitMom.com
GO TO HOMEPAGE

Sign up for our Email Newsletter
Highlighting the latest career and family trends

 Family   Career   Money   Health   Food   Travel   Blog   Seminars   
INSIDE CAREER: FINDING BALANCECHANGING JOBSWOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSESONLINE JOB CENTER




Ask the Expert

Dr. Kathleen Wells is a professional career coach and Director of Coaches That Care. She has coached thousands of clients through the stages of successful career development.

Asking for a Raise

Q:I was asked to write a letter to formally ask for my raise. Can you send me a copy of the proper letter format when writing a letter asking for a raise? My letter has to be given to threee people, who do I address it to, how do I cc the others? What should my letter include? Do you have copies of letters I can use for reference? Melissa

A: This is a typical means of requesting raises in today’s corporate world. Personally I like it better than a verbal request, as I can think better in advance and on paper. I don’t have an example to send you, but I can tell you what to put in it. Using a typical business format, open with an introductory paragraph telling them how much you enjoy being a part of the team at your company. You might tell them you have enjoyed putting specific skills to use in your position there, i.e., organization, planning, etc.

Then in your next section bullet some accomplishments, especially in terms of revenue you have brought in to the company or dollars saved. You didn’t mentioned the kind of business so I can’t be specific, but anything like increasing the return clientele of the company, implementing cost savings measures in your department, designing a better working product or program, etc. Let them know exactly how valuable you are to them.

In your closing paragraph, sum up that you would like to continue being a valuable asset to the firm and that you appreciate their serious consideration of your request for an increase. If the actual increase attempt fails, be ready to counter negotiate with increased benefits or decreased hours for the same salary. There are more ways to get an increased hourly wage than a true increase in dollars paid.

I would address the letter to all three people and send each one an original copy. List them in order of rank if there is one or alphabetically if there is not. You can also attach an updated copy of your resume, which should show all of your accomplishments in your current position as well as those for your previous jobs. Good luck!

Also see: Negotiating for a raise

Other Recent Questions



Search BlueSuitMom.com
Email this page to a friend


   C a r e e r   C o r n e r


Join BlueSuitMom on
  Facebook
In a Man's World
Professional Organizations
Company Seminars
Career Archive
Small Business Advice
Online Job Search
Entrepreneur's Corner
Sign Up For Our Newsletter


Ask an Expert
Image Consultant
Career Coach
Work/Life Coach
Business Coach
Work at Home
Professional Organizer
Emotional Wellness
Business Advisor


   C a r e e r   P o l l


What is the most important benefit your employer can offer you?
Flexible work hours
Extended hours/shortened work week
Job sharing
Telecommuting
On-site daycare
Take home meals
On site dry cleaning
View results




  © Copyright 2000 - 2008, BlueSuitMom.com, Inc.
BlueSuitMom is a Registered Trademark of BSM Media
About Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Advertise With Us