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 am a leasing mgr & oversee a staff of six on a property of 948 apt homes. My boss says that Im at the top pay. I dont agree & feel I should be paid more. What can I do? Miranda A: This is a challenge and, if you live in one of these apartments you manage, changing to another job to achieve a pay raise could be problematic. So here’s what you do to take your best shot at an increase. Write a formal letter requesting the amount of pay you feel you deserve. In it give them a few examples of how you are saving them money and/or increasing revenues. For example, does your management keep the tenants happy so that you have a relatively long, average residency for your tenants? Are you able to rent units very quickly eliminating lost revenue while apartments sit empty? Are you able to fix problems quickly and easily saving repair costs? Let the employer know what you are saving them in dollars and prove yourself to be a valuable asset. If this supervisor does not agree, is there a governing board or company CEO you can forward a copy of the letter to? If all of this fails and you are indeed at the top of the pay scale, write a great resume showing the accomplishments you’ve had there and start shopping it around for a new position. Good luck! Also see: Negotiating for a raise