Broadly discuss the steps you should follow when asking for a ...

[tichca]

Broadly discuss the steps you should follow when asking for a raise.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

When and why should you write a postinterview thank-you letter?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[billybob123]

Answer to Question 1

You got the job. You are making great progress and devoting extra time to making sure things
are done correctly. Now, you think you deserve a raise but don't know exactly how to go about
asking.
What do you do? With a little research, a well-thought out presentation, and good timing, you
can make a case for a salary increase.
a) Find out what the competitive salary is: Do some research on salary trends for employees
with your job responsibilities. Using job titles for comparison purposes will not get you the data
you need because there is no standard for job titles. An administrative assistant in one
organization may perform only receptionist duties; whereas, in another organization, this is a
lower-management-level position. Try to find out the salary range at your company for your job
classification and where your current salary falls within that range.
Use salary surveys that are published nationally, such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook
(published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), which is available on the Internet, at
www.bls.gov, as well as in the printed form. Remember to adjust these figures for the cost-ofliving differences in your area.
Local statistics may be available from your Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development
Corporation, Career Services office at your school, and private employment firms.
Another place to gather data is relevant help-wanted ads that list salaries. Or, look for and
save magazine and newspaper articles that contain references and facts about salaries.
b) Prepare a written proposal: Your supervisor will probably have to justify and sell the idea
of a pay raise for you to his or her supervisor. Prepare a written rationale that your supervisor
can use when requesting a pay increase for you. List specific examples of your major
accomplishments, in addition to the work you completed that was above and beyond what
your job description requires. Give measurable comparisons where possible, such as
increased sales 8 percent over previous year or handled 5 percent more customer service
calls since January 1. List skills that are indispensable to your company, as well as any new
technical skills you have learnedeither by attending training sessions or on your own. Also
state what you are doing to help the company meet its corporate goals. Include future goals
you plan to achieve on behalf of the company. Review recent performance evaluations and
other progress and periodic reports you've prepared to help you list these goals.
c) Anticipate objections: You should anticipate the objections and problems that your
supervisor will have with your request for a raise. Address these objections and problems in
your written proposal and tell how they can be overcome. Be cautious about listing problems
for which you have no solutions. You may be giving your supervisor the reasons he or she
needs to deny your request for a raise.
d) Watch your timing: The best time to ask for a raise is when your supervisor is in a good
mood and right after you've either completed a major project successfully or taken on
additional responsibility. You should also be aware of the financial status of your organization.
It's not good timing to ask for a raise when business is down. You may also want to hold off if
your supervisor is new to your department or the organization. Your supervisor will need to
establish his or her own credibility in the job before seeking raises for his subordinates.
e) Set a meeting: After you've done your research and prepared your written proposal,
schedule a meeting with your supervisordo not drop in. Plan this meeting to demonstrate
that you are organized. Speak respectfully and assertively but avoid any hint of or else
threats. Review your accomplishments and share any salary comparison information you've
gathered. Caution: Do not ask for a raise because of your personal financial situation; raises
are given based on your job performance and the value you bring to your company.
f) Asking for the raise: Don't ask for a raise in general; have a specific amount in mind and ask
for it. Also have some alternatives in mind that you would find acceptable. Be open-minded
about taking such perks as more paid vacation days, flexible scheduling, telecommuting
opportunities, company-paid parking, travel allowance, subsidized child care, new technology
training, formal education reimbursement, bonuses, and permission to attend company-paid
seminars and workshops in lieu of a salary increase. If your supervisor asks for time to think it
over, ask for another meeting in two weeks. Don't leave the meeting with an open-ended time
limit.
g) Reacting when the boss says no: If your supervisor turns down your request for a raise
because the timing is not right, ask, Could we discuss my proposal again at a more
appropriate time? Then, try to find out what conditions would need to be present to qualify as
a better time to revisit the request. If your supervisor tells you the request cannot be justified,
ask, What can I do to earn an increase in salary? Make notes of what the boss suggests and
then start immediately to accomplish those objectives.
h) Ending the meeting with a thank-you: If you get the raise, end the meeting with a verbal
thank-you, but be sure to follow up with a written thank-you note or card. If you do not get the
raise, you should still say thank you. Let your supervisor know that you appreciate his or her
honesty and that you appreciate his or her taking the time to meet with you.

Answer to Question 2

After you have been interviewed, it is a good strategynot to mention common courtesyto
write the interviewer a thank-you letter. Getting the thank-you letter on the interviewer's desk a
day or two after the interview will make an extremely good impression. If a potential employer
receives a letter from you the day after your interview, you may be perceived as having
initiative, manners, and promptness. This thank-you letter may be the thoughtful act that
moves your rsum to the top of the stack.
The thank-you letter puts your name before the interviewer again, and it gives you a second
opportunity to sell yourself by mentioning pertinent qualifications.
If you do not hear from the company, call after about one week to find out whether a hiring
decision has been made or a second round of interviews has begun. Whatever the response,
be careful to answer graciously and without getting defensive or angrythere will be other
interviews.