"First Degree Burn"

I was hired into my position a month before I graduated from college. I am an Executive Assistant to a U.S. Congressman and he was generous enough to work around my schedule until I could work full time.

Within the same timeframe that I was hired on, three other staff members were hired as representatives, two of which do not have college degrees.

My problem is that the staff is lazy. I find that I am writing letters and speeches they should be writing, as well as my own duties in tending to the Congressman. I am constantly being told that I am doing a great job and that I am "the glue that holds everyone together", so I was hurt when a representative position opened and they didn't offer it to me. Again, it went to someone with less experience and no degree.

In January I will have worked in my position for seven months. How soon can I ask for a raise? How should I go about asking for an overdue review and what documents should I provide to back myself up?

Frustrated E.A.

Dear Frustrated E.A.,

Your experience illustrates why it is important to have a job description. If you don't have one, then your first task is to ask your employer to create one. He/she may well delegate that task to you, but in any case you need to get that done.

Once you have a job description you need to track all the tasks that you are asked to do that are outside that description. In a position that is as high pressured as yours it would be unrealistic to refuse work because "it's not my job". What you want to do, however, is prepare your case for a meeting with the Congressman where you can show that you are fulfilling a larger role than you were hired for, and therefore are entitled to the recognition of a salary increase and/or a promotion. Identify the letters and speeches you have written that were outside your role. Make a list of other tasks you've done that were not part of the job description. Set out dates.

If you already have a job description, then you can do that documenting now and meet with your employer as soon as possible.

You mention that you were hurt when a representative position opened up, and it was not offered to you. Did you ask to be considered? It is never wise to hang back and wait for recognition. If you want to move forward or be promoted, you need to let your employer know. Again, I would suggest a meeting in order to clarify for the Congressman that you are interested in moving ahead, and to ask what criteria he/she has for promotion. What do you need to do to qualify? If you need more credentials, training or experience, go and get it.

Your employer owes you their support in clarifying expectations and providing advice and information about moving up. He/she also owes you adequate recognition for holding the office together. In a positive and constructive way, you need to tell him/her just that.

Thanks for writing,

Dr. John

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