Five Steps to Requesting Advanced Training from Your Boss by Letter

Molly Thompson reports:

"An important aspect of professional growth is continued training, either in your area of expertise or in a new one related to your company's business. Research available offerings to identify the advanced training most relevant to your profession and most beneficial to your organization...Prepare your letter as a formal business memorandum. Flush with the left-hand margin, using all capital letters, type 'TO,' 'FROM,' 'DATE' and 'SUBJECT' lines, double-spacing between each line. Using initial caps only, fill in your boss's name on the 'to' line, your name on the 'from' line, the date...and the subject of your memo, which should read 'Opportunity for Training.'...Write the first paragraph of your memo to describe the training program, what it entails[,] and when and where it is offered. Highlight specific elements of the course that relate directly to your work and the company's business, particularly if those build on previous training courses previously approved by the company. Reassure your boss that you have researched a range of programs and determined that this is the most comprehensive or most relevant to your company's business, as well as being the best value for the cost...Explain in the main paragraph your rationale for participating in the training. Don't give vague reasons such as 'I'll know more about my job.' Instead, give specific examples of how attending the training will enable you to perform at a higher level in your current job. Focus on the benefits to the company, rather than to you personally...If the training will equip you to train others in the office in a valuable subject area, emphasize that as an additional benefit to your organization...Follow with a direct request to attend the training. If your participation will take you away from your work duties for a week or longer, explain how you will help co-workers manage in your absence. Outline the training costs, along with any related expenses such as travel or lodging...Close the letter by asking your boss for a response by a specific date that will allow you sufficient time to register by the program deadline but also give him time to consider your request. Reassure him of your availability to discuss the request or the training program in more detail."