Expert: Leslie - 2/14/2007

Question
I would like to express to HR that my pay rise is not justified in a polite manner. How can I word a email/memo to send to him??
A) I learn from my mistakes & work hard at being good on people skills
B) I have studied very hard (Cisco Industry certifications, Microsoft Industry Certifications, Courses taken to build on professional writing & Engineering papers that help me understand other components of my job on top of my diploma & degree)
C) What's puzzling is that this I feel is not reflected in my pay rise & I would like to know why not or when the company will begin to recognize this
D) I want to also state that I do a great job of things & when I don't know I try & learn from those around me (Engineers)
E) The job is stressful & is demanding but feel not valued in the company as they were able to pay the Gen-I helpdesk 5 K more than me & still have that as a back up but they are not heavily used but for password account resets they charge the company $36 when I can resolve this issue in less than 5 minutes??
I would really appreciate assistance in formulating a memo that is polite that could address these issues or whether there is hope of a more justified pay rise in the future.
Please help me in acheiving this.
Zack.  

Answer
Zack,

You have expressed your concerns clearly in your email. I don't believe, however, an email is the appropriate vehicle for your presentation. Let me explain.

First, these concerns should go to the person who supervises you. You need to ask for a performance review of your work with your immediate supervisor. If you skip over this person, you are liable to alienate that person. He or she must confirm any wage changes (as a rule), and your supervisor is not going to be pleased if you go over his or her head.

Second, while your certifications certainly warrant consideration for a pay increase, meeting the job expectations is what everyone does. I do not know more about your particular circumstances, but from what I can read, you  have met the standards. You need to show how you have exceeded those standards.

Third, putting your case in writing has the same effect as lobbing shots over the bow of a ship. The written document threatens action. Because it is written, it threatens your supervisor, HR, and alerts anyone in the company that legal action may result. Most people and companies avoid threats, so their reaction may result in your dismissal or a similar reaction.

Your best bet, at least to start, is to "talk" to your supervisor. If you feel that your supervisor is not offering you a fair opportunity, ask him or her to set some goals that you can meet or exceed to show your value.

If you supervisor is unwilling to provide this opportunity, then "talk" to HR about your supervisor's response. Ask to speak to a Human Resources Counselor about your position. He or she can work with you and your supervisor to find a solution.

Keep the list you have sent me and use it as talking points for your discussion. Be sure you write down what your supervisor and HR person tell you with times and dates, so you can recall this information later.

I have seen many talented people dig themselves a hole because they simply wanted someone to explain why the were overlooked.

If you still want to write the email. Open it by saying you would like to learn what is needed to earn an increase in pay. Explain that you meet or exceed the job requirements and list your certifications and skills. Do not compare what the company pays someone else. Ask them what you would need to do. Again, personally, I would do this verbally at least to start.

Good luck.

Leslie