Raise I Deserve a Raise

Dear Mr. Blinski,

Please excuse my candor, but I would like a promotion. More specifically, I would really like a raise. How much? Well, I was told by a mutual friend of ours that I should ask for $5 more per hour and hope to get somewhere between $2-3 after some negotiation and haggling. Also, our mutual friend said if I only asked for a $2 raise, the chances of me getting a raise above $2 would be zero.

However, after further consideration, I thought that I would not ask you for a $5 raise. Not because I don't think I deserve $5 more per hour, but because I wanted to mindful, and really respectful, of what this type of request places on you. I know times are tough and the economy as a whole is languishing, which certainly creates uncertainty for consumer-dependent businesses like your restaurant.

So, with that said, I am humbly asking you for a $2 raise.

Here are my specific reasons on why I believe I deserve $2 more per hour: 1. I've been a loyal and competent employee since I started working here a year ago, 2. I have not been given a raise since I started (I'm still making minimum wage), 3. I have taken on more responsibility (I am no longer just hosting, I am frequently waiting tables and occasionally helping out with the bartenders during the dinner rush), 4. I was the one who spearheaded the campaign to require our dishwashing staff to soak the silverware in tubs before they run it through the dishwasher, as you know this new 'soaking the silverware procedure' precipitously cut down on the complaints we were fielding from customers regarding "greasy silverware," 5. I like...

A raise would prove to me that you respect my commitment and the work I've done thus far.
I am not in your shoes, but I know there are several objections you may have with respect to my request. For instance, and as mentioned, I know times are tough. Business at the restaurant has been erratic lately. The total dinner numbers we've been doing, as of late, seem to be fluctuating more than I recall in the past. While I'm not privy to the actual numbers and metrics, I would venture to guess that business at the restaurant could even be slightly down since last quarter. This lackluster business environment would, of course, make giving one a raise a difficult proposition to stomach.

I want you to know that I am keenly aware of this dilemma, but may I point out that although numbers are down (presumably), they are not down because of my performance. In fact, if anything, my performance as a host, waiter and occasional bartender has helped us retain customers. While you may dismiss this as being anecdotal, I would point to my customer review cards, which Lacy (Staff manager) has collected over my tenure at the restaurant. I have received stellar remarks for almost all the customers I've waited on. Additionally, I am now on a first name basis with many of our regular customers (Mr. And Mrs. Milano even request me to wait on them if I'm working).

I point this out because in these tough economic times, food consistency and good service are more important than ever before. More and more customers are faced with tough choices, i.e. "we can only eat out once…