Where and how do I put in my salary requirements (resume or cover letter)?

Question

I want to apply for a job, but it specifically asks to state salary requirements. My question is, where would I include that. In my cover letter? The resume ? I think it would be awkward if placed on the resume itself but I'm no expert. Also does this mean I write an hourly rate, or a yearly rate?

Answer 1

Your resume is supposed to be the same document you send to every prospective employer , summarizing your background, qualifications and interests. It's not supposed to be tailored to each situation and changed with each application. In fact, many people have copies of their resume professionally printed (at the printer) well in advanced, not retyped each time they send it to a different company.

The cover letter is the company-specific document that you use to add information about yourself that applies directly to that particular prospective employer and that job opening. Therefore, if you had to and/or wanted to state your salary requirement, that would be the document in which you listed the information. For a professional job, the figure should be on an annnual basis, not hourly.

Be that as it may, many employment experts have advised against disclosing that information, even when asked. Let's say you're qualified in every way for a job that the employer is quite willing to pay $ 75,000/year to the right person. You only put down $ 60,000. Experts say that may make you appear less desirable and not more as some inexperienced applicants may assume. Prospective employers may think you're not of the level they are seeking to fill that job. To be willing to work for cheap is not necessarily a good quality for a professional person.

Now let's say you put down $ 100,000/year. That may eliminate you right off the bat since here too, you've shown you belong to a level different than what the employer is seeking. If the boss for the position you're applying to only makes $90,000/year; he's not going to interview candidates who want to get paid more than his own salary.

So what do you put down in your cover letter in response to an ad that say :" Please include your salary requirement"?. Experts say to put down something like... "As for my salary requirement, I'm very flexible on the issue and will consider any reasonable offer from a prospective employer that is comensurate with the position in question and with my qualifications and experience".

Answer 2

As far as I know. You do not put salary requirements on resumes or cover letters. You could e-mail a potential employers just be careful as it is a sensitive point you don't wanna just jump the gun.I would suggest that you emphasize your skills and knowledge and that when you feel it's the appropriate time you negotiate the salary ( I would do it in person, over the phone or by e-mail as a follow up to a conversation) Good luck !!!

Answer 3

First you need a fantastic looking template to work from. Then you focus on your achievements and ambitions. You will place your employment history in chronological order to ensure a time line is followed. If you search a few resume sites you should be able to get a few paragraphs with outstanding content you can place within the resume. Get a great looking cover letter as well. It is all designed to be outstanding from other plain resumes the employer will receive. With the pay requirements search for similar position pay rates over Yahoo search for a comparison of the wage and place it on the covering letter.

Answer 4

You can put a section in your resume at the bottom labeled salary requirements. I normally put a starting salary around XX, XXXX (you fill in the blanks) and then mention the benefits that you are looking for as well.

I would personally prepare two separate resumes, one listing the salary requirement and a second one not mentioning what you are looking for. Only send the one with the requirements when an ad states to list your salary requirements.

Answer 5

Put it in the cover letter. The resume is to show your experience and to impress them with the value you'd bring to them. And put it as an annual salary.

Answer 6

I always say that salary requirements are open.

If they have your ideal job, but it is less then your requirement, they may not even consider you for it.

On the other hand, if your salary requirement is too low, you may just be losing out.

Answer 7

Hmmm i normally put in my resume...