Ask the Experts: Convincing Employer to Create a New Position
Question:
I want to write a letter to my employer asking them to create a new position for me. I’ve been here for several years and this would be a lateral move for me. The company is resistant to change and spending more money. The creation of the position would not require them to spend more money and should save the company money and time in the long run. How do I ask the President of the company to create the position?
First Answer:
Don’t just write the President of your company a letter, put together a brief proposal to show him the benefits of creating the position. In this
proposal list pros and cons, benefits to the company, cost effectiveness,
etc. To the proposal you could attach a brief letter and in that letter
mention that this is a lateral move for you. If you know of company that
have created such positions and have benefited from them, also include that
documentation. Make your proposal brief, to the point and include all the
information you believe would answer any questions that he might have about
this proposal. Foremost, show the president how the company will benefit.
— Linda Wyatt, Career Center Director, Kansas City Kansas Community College
Second Answer:
First off, congratulations on your initiative and desire to contribute to the growth of your company. However, I don’t think a letter will be enough.
The idea would best be presented as a well thought out report.
Start the report with an overview page that summarizes your presentation outlining the basic elements and benefits. This will give your reader a
quick snapshot of your idea and interest her/him is reading the full
proposal.
Outline the current situation in detail, highlighting the area(s) that need addressing and the reasons as you see them for making the changes. Point out the problems that will be solved, the benefits that will
accrue. Give concrete examples from your recent personal experience that
demonstrate the need to make the change.
Detail your solution and the cost savings/time benefits that will result. Explain how you are qualified to evaluate the situation and how you would
be the appropriate person to assume the new responsibilities. Reinforce
your credentials as being the best choice to guide this undertaking.
Submitting the idea directly to the CEO may twist the noses of your immediate and other management people. Unless, you have routine access to
your president and enjoy a rapport with him similar to that of the other
executives your idea may fall on fallow ground. Approach your boss and feel out the climate with her/him. You may not have read the circumstances correctly, as being adverse to change. You do not have to give away the whole idea and plan but say enough to show the idea has merit and ask for the clearance to arrange an appointment to submit the proposal to the president. This precaution, if needed, will allow you to be seen in a positive light as a team player by your boss and her/his peers.
— Robert C. Resch, Career Center, Triton College
