Resumes & Cover Letters
Write a Proposal
These are very similar processes, and in either case you must present your case for the requested promotion (which I assume will include a raise) along with supporting documentation demonstrating why you are deserving of this consideration.
- Resume Writing Tips for an Internal Promotion, Kim Isaacs (resumepower.com)
- "So, you're going for the big promotion and think you have a very good shot. Or maybe you think your chances are pretty iffy. Either way, give yourself an edge by submitting a hard-hitting resume and proposal package that proves you're the perfect candidate for the job. Follow these tips to make sure your promotion goes through:" (Tip #1 is Don't Get Cocky!). She also talks about writing a job proposal instead of a traditional cover letter and what should be included in that document.
- Raising the Raise Issue, Amy Joyce (washingtonpost.com)
- While the general article is about negotiating for a raise, she talks about creating a proposal to justify your request. One career coach offers this advice -- treate raise time at a current job as if it were a new job offer. In other words, think about what you will bring to the organization. "In general, if you can foresee the added value that you're going to make to a unit or an enterprise, then that's the time to negotiate what that will be worth."
- Time for a Promotion?, Roberta Chinsky Matuson (Monster.com Career Advice)
- "If it really is time for a promotion, then get your ducks in order. Rewrite your job description and write a self-evaluation regarding your performance. Let your boss know this is something you would like to discuss the next time he is in the office." She also advises that you gather some hard data regarding salary information so you can request appropriate compensation.
- Getting a promotion, Scott Boyd (jobseekersadvice.com)
- "So you want a promotion then? It has its benefits and its pitfalls. This article will look at some with these along with the methods you can use to successfully get that promotion! [...] When you have decided what you want to do, put it into a context that can fit into the culture and aims of your employers business." Sounds simple, right? But he has a point. Decide what you want to do, document it, then make it fit into the organization's plan.
- How to Get a Promotion, Laura Evans (Life123.com)
- "Interested in finding out how to get a promotion? Promotions just don't happen-you have to work hard and in some cases, you have to know how to ask for a promotion. Asking for a promotion can feel risky for some, but if you never ask, you may never get one." Several very good suggestions.
- How to Write a Job Promotion Letter (eHow.com)
- Very short, maybe too short, but it does tell you what needs to be in the letter.
It has happened to me and is likely to happen to you -- you have approached your boss with the idea for a new position or in lieu of a promotion he or she might consider "upgrading" the position you currently hold to better reflect its responsibilities. Then it comes back to you. "I need you to write a proposal for the new position you will fill."
- Create your Ideal Role by Writing a Job Proposal, Audrey Prenzel (rileyguide.com)
- "Have you ever been someplace and realized there is a pitfall in their service or operations? How about dreaming of the ideal career, but you can't seem to find a job posting that matches what you would love to do? When you want something, go for it by creating your own opportunity. With some strategy and research, topped off with crafty writing, you can uncover opportunities that may have never before existed." Written exclusively for The Riley Guide.
- How to Propose a New Position to the Company (eHow.com)
- "Whether you want to move ahead in your career or you've identified a need in your company for a role it doesn't currently have, you'll need to persuade management to agree with you. Proposing a new position for the company to fill will require some sound arguments as well as social skill and political capital. Proposing one for yourself has a few additional challenges."
- What are some effective strategies for creating and pitching a new position proposal within a company? (LinkedIn.com)
- This question was posted on one of the many job search forums found on LinkedIn, and the first response is an excellent discussion of what you need to present. You should be able to read this without having to be a member of LinkedIn.
- Writing a Proposal to Create New Position for Yourself (resumesandcoverletters.com)
- A response to a question on this topic with 3 suggestions on how to approach this.
Reviewing job descriptions (either generic or created by other organizations) can help you in creating your own. You can find more job descriptions by reviewing job banks like CareerBuilder (look for jobs that match what you do or want to do).
- Employee Job Descriptions: Five Tips About Employee Job Descriptions, Susan M. Heathfield (About.com)
- "Employee job descriptions are written statements that describe the duties, responsibilities, required qualifications, and reporting relationships of a particular job. Employee job descriptions are based on objective information obtained through job analysis, an understanding of the competencies and skills required to accomplish needed tasks, and the needs of the organization to produce work." Knowing what a job description contains can help you create a proposal for the job you want.
- Sample Job Descriptions.org
- Nice collection of sample job listings. My only quibble is when you produce something this good and this useful, why not put your name on your work? Absolutely no information on who operates this site.
- Sample Job Descriptions, SupportingAdvancement.com
- ...nice collection of samples for primarily nonprofit and academic positions, courtesy of SupportingAdvancement.com in British Columbia (Canada).
- Sample Job Descrptions, HR Village
- Small collection of samples along with a general template. All can be viewed online or downloaded in Word or PDF format.
- Free Job Descriptions, Best-Job-Interview.com
- Small collection, but each is structured around a specific format so all contain the same type of information. At the bottom of the list is a very useful template you can use when creating your own.