[miklay]

Hello,

I am currently working in here in the United Arab Emirates. I am thankful having found your website as I am eager to learn more especially on work-related matters. What has given me the courage to finally write you a letter is that I have been contemplating on asking for a salary increase with the company I work for. I have always wanted to write a letter but just could not manage to start one. Many times I have tried to talk to our CEO but once I go and see him I couldn't mutter a word as I am ashamed to ask him. I started as a receptionist with the company. However, I also act as a secretary to the CEO. Having worked with the company for more than 1 year I was finally appointed as his assistant. But the thing is, they have not given me an appointment letter nor did they give me a specific job description. Also, I don't only assist the CEO but I do assist the COO as well. I try my best to cater to their needs at work as possible. I have once asked our CEO about my job performance and he told me that he is satisfied. Then I have found out that some employees in the company have gotten a salary increase. It just seems unfair knowing they got their salary increase while I did not. And having asked some secretaries from various companies, they have told me that I am receiving a very low salary for the position I am in. Seeking for your advise.

Thank you.

[NicoleMiller]

Welcome to OfficeArrow, Miklay! You've found the right community to help you with your question.

A GREAT article is Help! I'm Under Paid. Here you will find ways to approach your boss with research and facts to back your case. In addition, the article recommends other articles to review that will help you.

Do you have an annual performance review? If so, check out the article Performance Reviews: Are You Prepared to get a Raise?. This article will provide you with steps you should take to prepare for your review and how to make your presence and accomplishments known to your boss and peers.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[miklay]

Dear Ms. Miller,

Thank you so much for your help! It has given me a new light indeed. Unfortunately, we don't'have an annual performance review. They have just hired a new HR Director lately, hopefully, things will get in order. I will keep you posted for sure.

Thanks a lot!

[miklay]

One more thing, I have heard from some of my colleagues that I am receiving a higher salary. I don't know who have spread such rumor about me getting a big salary which is not true.

[miklay]

Hi!

I asked my boss if I could see him for a few minutes but told me it wasn't a good time. However, he asked me for a "hint"as to the reason why I wanted to see him. So, I told him it was about "pay raise" and he told me he knows about it. So, that was the end of it I suppose. I really felt down-hearted I felt like not going to work anynmore. One time, I called him up to see if he's available to discuss some issues at work, he asked me if it was the same topic that I wanted to see him. So I figured out he doesn't really want to talk about the "pay raise" thing. I did not dare ask him again after that. Well, at least I got the message accross in just two words...

[LisaOlsen]

Hello Micklay,

One suggestion I have is that you might consider writing your own job description based on your current duties. It might be a good opportunity to really evaluate and assess what your role involves.
There are lots of good resources on the Internet for wording, etc.

Once you've written the new job description, then meet with your boss to review it and discuss how he perceives your position and be ready to justify your request for a pay raise. It's important to show your boss what you are doing in order for him to justify the raise. You could take the intiative to write the job description as a way to move the office forward.

Let us know how it turns out.

[miklay]

Hi Ms. Olsen,

Thanks a lot for your advice! I have started listing down my curret duties at work. Hopefully, things will work out this time.

I'll keep you posted.

[topshelfma]

Originally Posted by miklay

Hello,

I am currently working in here in the United Arab Emirates. I am thankful having found your website as I am eager to learn more especially on work-related matters. What has given me the courage to finally write you a letter is that I have been contemplating on asking for a salary increase with the company I work for. I have always wanted to write a letter but just could not manage to start one. Many times I have tried to talk to our CEO but once I go and see him I couldn't mutter a word as I am ashamed to ask him. I started as a receptionist with the company. However, I also act as a secretary to the CEO. Having worked with the company for more than 1 year I was finally appointed as his assistant. But the thing is, they have not given me an appointment letter nor did they give me a specific job description. Also, I don't only assist the CEO but I do assist the COO as well. I try my best to cater to their needs at work as possible. I have once asked our CEO about my job performance and he told me that he is satisfied. Then I have found out that some employees in the company have gotten a salary increase. It just seems unfair knowing they got their salary increase while I did not. And having asked some secretaries from various companies, they have told me that I am receiving a very low salary for the position I am in. Seeking for your advise.

Thank you.

Here's another suggestion for you...

If you should happen to think of a BETTER way to accomplish one of your duties, or a SHORTCUT to do it quicker, ask the boss if he is open to hearing about your improvement idea.

When he offers you the opportunity, present your idea with the attitude that shows you have HIS best interest at heart, and he should be thankful for your suggestion, and reward you with a raise.

That's a starter for you...