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