As a recent college graduate, how do I list salary history and salary requirements?

Question

I've had a lot of corporate office experience, but only part-time. I'm not sure what to put on my resume/cover letter when employers request this information for an application!

Answer 1

Some times they just put this in as a matter of course (I recently was doing an application for a Dean's position at a university which made me tell them my typing speed and how much I could lift - obviously they have one standard application for everyone!). I would just put in n/a for not applicable, if it is on a form. If you have to give a separate sheet, I would just say something like "prior history consists of part-time jobs while in college", and for salary requirements, you can either give a range which falls into the average for the type of job, or if you don't even know that, you can say something like "competitive market rate".

Answer 2

This is a good question. First, I would never volunteer this information if you are not asked for it. This information is used only to weed out people. People who ask for too high (or too low) salary are easily omitted from consideration. Or you might get hired for a job at a lower pay rate because you said that you are willing to work for the lower rate. Either situation is not in your favor.

For your salary history as necessary, I would list what is on your W2 tax form. My first instinct would be to state that you are a recent college graduate and that your jobs have been part time to explain your current salary history. But on the other hand, I am not too sure that you want to point this fact out; let the potential employer figure that out themselves. One other potential solution to this problem is to answer "scale" for your salary history. I would reserve this answer to filling an application while on-site for a face to face interview. If you are confronted with this response, you can say that you are on site to discuss the position and how your skills fit into that position. The "scale" response is not for the timid. Admitting that your salary to too high for the employer will potentially remove you from consideration, but so will a salary that is too low. A low salary can be an indication of a position that does not have the required level of experience that is required by the employer.

I would research the position and figure out what the correct salary range for the position (and therefore your salary requirements) is. Never give a firm figure, always give a salary range when ever possible. I would also qualify your salary range by saying something like "My research has determined a salary of $X to $Y, depending upon the scope of the position, location, and total package." In the right situation I would also say that I want to be paid what the job pays. Most employers will already have a pay scale budgeted for the position and frankly, there is no point in saying that you want a higher salary and you are only shooting yourself in the foot if you say that you are willing to take a lower salary,for my reasons stated above. You can also say that your salary requirements are negotiable.

Your question is deceptively simple, but in reality very tricky. You will be faced with this one through out your career.

Good luck.

Answer 3

never depend on on base housing being an option. the waiting lists can be very long, especially for junior enlisted with no kids. BAH will not always cover all housing expenses, esp in CA where it's expensive at heck. the 'affordable' housing is often an hour or ore away from base, which means any savings is eaten up by gas prices. if he is below E4 it will be HARD if you are not working full time as well. in fact it will suck royally til he's about an E5 and then only if you guys are very good about budgeting and do not spend money foolishly.

Answer 4

You can put your hourly rate, or you can list the part-time work as internships. It is not shameful to have no earnings history. You are recently graduated and wouldn't be expected to have one. As far as salary desired, list what you think you are worth . You might want to check around to see what starting salaries are first.