You often have to approach employers for raises, because they don't approach you. Be sure to provide evidence of key accomplishments, clear goals for the future, and peg your salary expectations to market prices, not to personal issues, like orthodontia or college tuition. Jean received a $5,000 salary increase using this letter and its supporting documents (not included).
C h i c a g o
Communications
Corporation
Internal Correspondence
To Evin W. Laird
Samuel Short, Personnel Director
From Jean Creasy
Subject Salary Adjustment
Date April 15, 20––
It is never easy writing a letter such as this. I have waited to see if management would recognize my job performance and qualities as being promotable, but guess I'll have to toot my own horn.
First of all, I want to express how important my jobs are to me. I appreciate every opportunity CCC has given me. However, at this time, I am requesting a salary adjustment in relation to my responsibilities and job performance.
At review time last year, Samuel Short suggested a title change to justify a sufficient adjustment. I am not asking for a title change, per se, but for whatever is necessary to place me in a salary range comparable to others in the purchasing field. My present salary range is a minimum of $23,000 to a maximum of $36,800 (see Attachment #1). I am on the low end of this range, yet my reviews are excellent. As a means of comparison, I have assembled records to reflect similarities and differences (see Attachment #2). I have also assembled an outline of my duties arranged within the different areas for which I am responsible (see Attachment #3).
At one time, there were three people in the Purchasing Department, Jan Schick, Paula Samson, and Ralph Fredericks. During our highs and lows, Jan's and Ralph's positions were eliminated. Paula Samson remained to take over all purchasing duties on a full-time basis. During the last year that Paula was with the company, a total of 521 purchase orders were generated and Paula's salary was $27,200 (see Attachment #4). If Paula had remained with the company and received only a meager five percent (5%) increase per year, her salary would be $38,273.
In January of 19––, Paula Samson left the company and Richard Bickford was assigned to purchasing and remained there until his job was eliminated in September of 19--. At this time, I was assigned purchasing, along with my other duties, and have remained in this position for five years (see Attachment #5).
In conclusion, I am requesting a salary adjustment to $35,000/year. By performing multiple functions and positions, I am saving the company a great deal of money. Every area of my responsibility is run smoothly and efficiently. I believe that I have been a definite asset to the company and would like to continue to be an asset. I am only asking to be rewarded for a job well-done.
Thank you for your prompt consideration of this matter.