how to add salary expectation in cover letter

• Career Development

How to Include Salary Expectations in a Cover Letter (+ Examples)

11 min read

Creating the perfect cover letter is one of the most difficult challenges confronting job seekers. That challenge is particularly acute when you’re asked to include information like your anticipated salary requirements. Since you understand that the wrong salary request may reduce your chance of being interviewed, you may struggle to come up with the right number.

The good news is that there are options to help you include salary requirements in your cover letter in a way that won’t get your resume tossed to the side! In this post, we cover:

What is desired salary?

When to include desired salary requirements in a cover letter, how to respond to salary requirements in a cover letter.

How to determine a desired salary to communicate with prospective employers

Desired salary is the salary you’d like to receive in exchange for the work you do for an employer. It’s common for prospective employers to ask you to provide your desired salary on employment applications , in your cover letter, and during job interviews. As such, considering your desired salary early on in the application process will better prepare you for when an employer asks you to provide such information. With that said, having an idea of your desired compensation doesn’t mean you share that information too early in the application process unless you’re asked for it, that is, and ready to do so. 

The first thing to understand is that you don’t want to disclose your salary requirements (or compensation requirements) unless you must. The inclusion of that information can have negative consequences. For example, if your salary requirement is too high, the employer will dismiss your candidacy. On the other hand, if it is too low, you may receive a job offer for a salary that is far less than you deserve.

Still, you will need to include salary requirements in your cover letter if the employer or hiring manager requests it. When job descriptions include specific instructions to provide certain details, you need to follow those directions. Companies that demand desired salary requirements will typically reject your resume during the hiring process if you ignore that instruction. The question is, though, how do you word salary requirements in a cover letter?

If you’re wondering what cover letter salary requirements to include, relax!

There are a number of ways you can handle this challenge. We also have some tips that can help you compose your response to that desired salary question. 

First, though, it’s important to recognize that you can find a whole host of ideas about this topic online. They include everything from helpful sample resumes with salary requirements to salary expectation email sample. We also include some useful examples in our helpful tips section.

Here are the most common tips for including your desired salary expectations in a cover letter:

1. Don’t be direct about your salary requirement, or delay your response 

We don’t recommend this approach, but it does sometimes prove successful: don’t directly answer the question if you’re not ready to answer it. Instead of including desired compensation information in your cover letter, try to downplay its importance.

For example:

“Salary is important, but it’s not the only factor I weigh in my job search efforts. If you conclude that I would be a good fit for the company, I would be more than eager to discuss my desired salary.”

“Salary is a consideration for me, though it’s not the only factor I consider. I would like to learn more about the position and its requirements, as well as the total compensation package, prior to providing my salary expectations.”

As you can see, these are both reasonable responses - but they don’t exactly follow directions. Still, if you’re unsure about the company’s salary policies, are afraid that your expectations might prevent you from getting the job, or you’re unclear of the job requirements and what you believe to be fair because you don’t have enough information, this can be a viable option.

2. Ask questions

This relates a bit to the item above in terms of delaying your response, though it is slightly different in terms of how to do it. You can sometimes stall having to provide salary expectations by asking questions or indicating that you have questions specific to how the organization values the position. Again, this doesn’t exactly follow directions, though it does allow you to find out if your desired salary fits within the budget or range of the position. 

It’s possible that the employer isn’t willing to provide this up front, though in many instances, they will, since it can save both you and the employer a lot of time if you know up front that your desired salary doesn’t fit within the range provided. 

A couple responses that align with this approach might be:

“I’m very interested in the position, though I still have some questions about it and am curious to know how your organization values this position. Can you please provide the salary range for it, so I can ensure that an interview is the best use of our time?”

“I don’t currently have a specific number in mind and would like to better understand how your organization views this position. Are you able to provide budget information for it?”

3. Offer a salary range rather than a hard number

You don’t always have to offer a firm figure for your desired salary. Instead, candidates can include a salary range that allows the employer or hiring manager some latitude with respect to any job and salary offer. For example: 

After reviewing the job posting’s listed responsibilities and considering the true value I can provide to the company, I would ask for an annual salary in the range of $35,000 to $60,000.”

Of course, if you respond with a range, the employer is probably going to try to hire you for the lower amount. Know what you’re worth, but also know what your “walk away” number, or minimum salary, is. 

4. Tell the employer that your desired salary is flexible

In many instances, you can minimize any misunderstandings by stressing that your desired salary is a flexible issue. You can list a number or range and qualify that salary requirements are negotiable. Alternatively, you can avoid hard numbers and simply say that your salary needs are open to negotiation to fit the company’s needs. It’s always a good idea to acknowledge that your flexibility is based on factors related to the position, non-salary compensation, and other benefits. For example:

“I’m seeking a salary range of $45,000 to $52,000. However, I am open to discussing this and can be flexible based on additional considerations, like benefits and non-salary compensation.”

Key Takeaway

When employers ask for your desired salary, use your cover letter to detail your expectations, and always be sure to note that your salary needs are open for negotiation.

How to determine your salary requirements

Now, it’s clear that you do, in some way, need to respond to a request for salary requirements. However, if the instructions are clear that an actual number is necessary, how do you decide what number or range to provide that you’ll feel good about? 

Below are a few considerations to help you determine what to put for your desired salary.

Refer to what you’re currently making

In very rare instances are people looking for positions where they’d make less than they’re currently making. Some exceptions to this might be if you’re changing careers, looking for a lower-level position, or relocating to a market where there’s a lower cost of living. 

Otherwise, most employers appreciate that you’d like to make what you’re currently making or more to change positions and work for their organization. Regardless, you need to get clear as to whether you’re willing to take an offer that falls below your current salary range, and if not, what minimum salary is acceptable to you for the position you’re applying to. 

Do market research 

You don’t want to just pull numbers out of a hat to offer up to an employer. Do an online search to determine what the average salary range is for the position you’re applying to based on education, experience, location, and job duties. Having data also allows you to back your numbers when you share your desired compensation with the prospective employer. 

Use real data from sites like the Bureau of Labor Statistics , PayScale , or Salary.com to discover salary norms around the country. You can also find up-to-date guides for industry-specific sites, such as RigJobs . Those and other sites can provide some indication of the position’s current value in the marketplace. 

Bear in mind that these are generally loose estimates, and you want to consider the other tips in this section before solidifying a range to provide to employers. 

Determine your worth based on experience, education, and training

Experience, education, and training are key factors in determining salary potential. Suppose you currently receive high marks with a salary that falls in the higher part of a range for your current organization. In that case, you’re in a good position to request a high salary level for your next position. 

In other words, if you offer above-average work, you can request an above-average salary. Bear in mind that when you ask for a higher salary, you need to be able to clarify the value you bring to the organization and back up your request with data and proof of the value you add. 

Consider cost of living metrics

Cost of living is an important factor when considering your salary. If you’re relocating to a new location, take a look at the cost of living for that location compared to your current location. In some instances, the cost of living, or COL, might be notably higher, in which case, you’d likely request a higher salary than what you’re currently making. On the other hand, if the cost of living is notably lower, a lower salary than what you’re currently making might be suitable for you. 

Take into account the total compensation and benefits package

Base salary is indeed an important consideration when considering a new position, though there are several other factors many consider. In addition to the desired salary, items like healthcare benefits, time off, flexible schedules, and bonuses play a role in whether someone accepts or declines a job offer. In fact, it’s not uncommon for employees to accept lower pay for a new position if the benefits are better with the new employer. 

When considering your desired compensation, consider what additional items are essential to you, and prioritize them. Then, compare your list to what the prospective employer offers. From there, adjust your desired salary accordingly.  

Sample cover letter with salary requirements

Dear [List full name of recruiter or hiring authority and their title here],

Please consider my enclosed resume and credentials as my application for the [Title of Position Here] position at [Company Name Here]. A review of my qualifications will showcase years of demonstrated work experience providing exceptional office support and ensuring projects are completed on time and with extreme confidentiality. 

These experiences have enabled me to perform scheduling, reception, meeting planning, accounting, data entry and document preparation, while creating a warm, welcoming environment for clients. I am certain that my motivation, academic experience, bilingualism/multilingualism, administrative expertise and professional demeanor will make me an excellent addition to your team as your [Title of Position Here]. 

Other highlights of my career that succeed expectations of [Company Name Here] would be:

Exceptional academic qualifications, including a [Full Degree name from School].

Remarkable ability to retain a large variety of information and interpret it for various publics.

Fluently utilized various computer software programs to expedite work processes, including Microsoft Office: Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Exercised strong communication and interpersonal skills to formulate good working relationships with all co-workers, vendors, clients and the public.

Provided the highest level of customer service while greeting visitors, communicating with them via telephone and promptly assisting with their needs.

Experienced leading employees, striving to elevate individuals to their greatest potential.

My desired salary for the position is based on the posted job description, my research, and prior salary history. Given the position’s nature and my skills and potential value for the company, I would ask for a salary in the $60,000 to $70,000 range. Of course, the actual salary is open for negotiation, depending on other relevant factors including potential bonus opportunities, career advancement opportunities, or additional benefits.  

My resume will provide additional details concerning my accomplishments. I welcome the opportunity for an interview to discuss the performance you can expect from me.

[Your name]

[Your contact information]

Desired salary: the bottom line

The bottom line is simple: don’t ignore requests from employers for desired salary information. Instead, use your cover letter to convey that information, and try to do it in a way that won’t leave your resume out in the cold. Demonstrate your flexibility and openness to negotiation, even when you’ve listed a clear salary expectation. 

That’s the best way to ensure that your stated salary needs don’t prevent you from getting the interview you deserve.

Does your resume clearly represent the value you add to an organization and the salary you’re worth? Why not submit it for a free resume review and find out?

This article was originally written by Leo Bastone and has been updated by Ronda Suder.

Recommended reading:

How to Write the Best Career Change Cover Letter (+ Examples)

How To Include Willingness to Relocate On Your Resume

Should You Include Salary Requirements on a Resume?

Ronda Suder, Professional Writer

With a drive to foster safety and expand possibilities through writing, performing, and working with others, Ronda brings 25 years of combined experience in HR, recruiting, career advice, communications, mental and behavioral health, and storytelling to her work. She’s a certified career coach and holds a Master’s in Human Resources, a Master’s in Film and Media Production, and a Master’s in Counseling and Development. As a writer, she’s covered topics ranging from finance and rock mining to leadership and internet technology, with a passion for career advice and mental-health-related topics. When she’s not at her computer, Ronda enjoys connecting with others, personal growth and development, spending time with her beloved pooch, and entertainment through movies, television, acting, and other artistic endeavors. You can connect with Ronda on  LinkedIn  and through her  website .

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Cover Letter Example With Salary Requirements

When and How to Mention Compensation in a Cover Letter

When to Include Salary Requirements in a Cover Letter

Options for including salary requirements in a cover letter.

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Writing a cover letter is challenging enough, but some employers throw in an extra complication: a request for  salary requirements .

Why do companies ask applicants to name their price before calling them in for a job interview? It’s a way for employers to ensure that they don’t waste time interviewing candidates who whose expectations don't fit with the salary range they have established for the position.

If you’re uncomfortable discussing money, don’t worry. There are ways to include this information in your cover letter without jeopardizing your chances of getting a job.

Here are tips on when and how to include a salary requirement in a cover letter, as well as an example of a cover letter that lists a salary requirement. Also see below for more cover letter samples, and tips for emailing a cover letter and resume to apply for a job.

If a job application does not require you to include salary information (such as your  salary history , a salary requirement, or a salary range), do not do so. If you request too high a salary, the employer may not even look at your application. On the other hand, if you request too low a salary, they may offer you less than you are worth.

However, if the job posting or application states that you must include a salary requirement, be sure to do so—as long as you are not living in a place where employers are prohibited from requesting this information.

It's important to follow directions and provide all the information the employer requests. Otherwise, you risk being tossed out of the application pool.

If the employer is legally permitted to ask and does not give specific instructions on how to include salary requirements, you have a few options to consider.

Include a Salary Range

One way to include salary requirements in a cover letter is to list a  salary range . This gives you and the employer some flexibility. Make sure your salary range is realistic. Research what the position is worth by using  salary surveys and salary calculators .

Say Salary Requirements Are Negotiable

You can also state that your salary requirements are negotiable based on the position and the overall compensation package,  including benefits . That gives you (and the employer) flexibility during the screening process and will leave  room to negotiate a reasonable salary  if you get an offer that's less than you expected.

State That You're Flexible

No matter what, make sure you emphasize that your salary requirements are flexible. This will help keep you in the running and also give you options when negotiating salary later on.

You can use this sample as a model to write a cover letter with salary requirements.  Download the template  (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or read the text version below.

Cover Letter Example With Salary Requirements (Text Version)

Belinda Applicant 123 Main Street, Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 belinda.applicant@email.com

September 1, 2021

Marvin Lee Chief Web Officer ACME Web Doctor 123 Business Road Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee:

I'm writing to express my strong interest in the Web Design Specialist position listed on Indeed.

I have experience designing consumer-focused health-based websites. While much of my experience has been in the business world, I understand the social value of the non-profit sector.

My responsibilities have included the design and development of the site's editorial voice and style, and the daily content programming and production of the website. I worked closely with health care professionals and medical editors to help them provide the best possible information to a consumer audience of patients and health care professionals.

Experience has taught me how to build strong relationships with all departments at an organization. I have the ability to work within a team as well as cross-team.

I can work with web engineers to resolve technical issues and implement technical enhancements, work with the development department to implement design and functional enhancements, and monitor site statistics and conduct search engine optimization.

My salary requirement is in the $70,000 - $80,000 range. However, my salary is negotiable based on the overall compensation package.

I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration.

Signature  (hard copy letter)

Belinda Gomez

If you're sending your cover letter  via email , include your name and the job title in the subject line of the email message:

Subject Line:  Jameis Smith - Web Design Specialist Position

Include your contact information in your email signature, and don't list the employer contact information at the top of the message. Start your email message with the salutation.

Be sure to  format your email cover letter  as you would any business email, with a salutation and a professional close.

Review more  cover letter samples and free downloadable templates  for a variety of career fields and employment levels, including entry-level, targeted, and email cover letters for many different occupations.

How to Include Your Salary Requirements in a Cover Letter: With Examples and a Template

In This Guide:

Should you include salary requirements in a cover letter, how to calculate your salary requirements, how to include salary requirements in a cover letter, example sentences of including salary requirements in a cover letter, where to add a paragraph like this, salary requirements in a cover letter - takeaways.

Quick Answer: When a job posting specifically requests salary requirements, it's important to include a realistic number in your cover letter. Research the industry, your skills and experience levels, and comparable salaries on sites such as Salary.com and Glassdoor. Consider using a range instead of a specific number, and indicate that your expectations are negotiable and flexible. Remember, keep your requirements in line with the job's expectations and don't ask for too little or too much.

Know what you want, need or expect in terms of pay from your next job?

We’re going to dig deep into how you can include your salary requirements in a cover letter in a professional way without going too high or low, and without sounding pushy!

You may be asking yourself why companies sometimes ask applicants to include their salary expectations in a cover letter. Basically, it’s a first step in narrowing down the applicant field.

Employers can make sure they don’t waste time reaching out to candidates whose expectations don't fit with the salary range they have set for the position.

Sometimes, though, it can feel a little awkward or intimidating to throw a number out to a prospective employer.

But it’s actually really easy to include a strong salary expectation that will make you seem knowledgeable, confident, and will get you what you deserve, as one extra part of writing a great cover letter .

In this article, we’ll go over:

• Whether you even should include salary requirements in a cover letter
• And of course, how to include your salary requirements in a cover letter when you need to

We’ve also included examples of how you can include your salary requirement in your cover letter, and we have 500+ great cover letter examples and templates you can use to write a cover letter that will land you that job.

First off, if a job application doesn’t ask you to include salary information, then don’t. It could undermine your application.

For example, if you request too high a salary, the employer may immediately set your application aside. On the flip side, if you ask for too low a salary, you may lose out on earnings they would have otherwise paid you.

Salary discussions often come up in interviews anyhow, so if they don’t ask in advance, wait for that. Of course, that means you should still be prepared to answer the question, and any other common tricky ones that come up.

But, if the job posting or application specifies that they want you to include a salary requirement, be sure that you do ( unless you live somewhere where questions like that are prohibited ).

In the case, you’re in a position that you are expected to include a salary requirement. You’ll want to do some research on the industry and take an honest look at your skills and experience to come up with a fair and reasonable number that will work for both parties.

A good first step is to check the average salaries for your industry. There are a few good websites that can help you with this.

Salary.com is maybe the most popular salary-specific job site. It lists every position in a field with free salary info, and they include cost-of-living calculators, comparison tools, lists of benefits, and even negotiation tips.

Glassdoor gives users the opportunity to read company reviews based on employee feedback. This tool is great because instead of general industry info, you can do a salary search for a specific company and position - giving you a real insider edge.

Indeed is a really popular job posting aggregator that also has a salary search tool . Here you can use keywords in your search, on top of job titles.

Some other options that include salary info, cost of living calculators, and/or other help in finding out what salary to expect are SalaryList , Salary Expert , and for Americans, the Bureau of Labor Statistics can help.

Remember, no matter how specific or general the website you’re looking at is, what you’re getting from them is info based on other workers.  So, you should also consider specific things about yourself that could influence your salary, like:

Your education is an important determinant of pay. An applicant with a bachelor’s degree should expect a lower starting salary compared to someone with a master’s or a doctorate.  The more relevant education you have, the higher you can expect to fall in the salary range for a job.

Do consider the relevance of your education -  a degree in Sports Medicine doesn’t have much impact in an accounting firm, but a Forensic Accounting degree, or an MBA in Accounting obviously do! You’d likely see a higher starting wage with the latter two as a result.

Location and cost of living

Different places have different costs of living - we know rents in Manhattan are going to be higher than in Boise, Idaho for a comparable apartment! But the costs of transportation, food, entertainment, and everything else varies from one city to another.

Because of that, employers know and compensate people differently depending on where they’re expected to work. So take into account where the job is located when you’re considering the salary.

Look at your work history. If you have a lot of experience in the company’s industry and operations, you can usually expect higher compensation than someone with little or no experience.

Look back on your work and experience history though, and you may be able to find great transferable skills, or performance results that apply to the new job.

Courses/certifications

Having specific professional certifications and licenses means you can ask for higher salaries, in the same way that education affects your value as an employee. Since you’ve put time into your professional development, an employer would be interested in offering you a greater salary for the value you bring and add to their team.

If you’re a candidate with an in-demand skill, you can consider asking for a higher salary. For example, if you’re applying for a UX design job in Germany, and you speak English and German (and/or other languages in the region) you’d have applicable skills and can ask to be compensated accordingly.

Personal situation

When it comes down to it, you also have to think about what you need or would accept for a job, too. No matter what the average is, consider your personal expenses and expectations.

If you need a certain amount to live and for your savings target, you may need to ask for that amount, because it’s not going to be a good fit long-term if you can’t pay your bills! Likewise, if it’s a dream job, and you don’t have other financial commitments, you may decide to strategically undercut the expected rate to get your foot in the door.

Other considerations

• Consider that to move to another company, you’d expect a pay rise.
• Switching jobs can be inherently risky, and it’s not unusual for a candidate to ask for a pay raise when switching from one company to another doing the same job. Asking for more helps mitigate the risk.
• Consider additional benefits a company would offer/provide.
• Not every company has the same benefits, and some benefits packages outweigh lower wages.  Consider health plans, pension/savings plans, cost of living increases, annual technology or professional development grants, or any other non-salary additional benefit a company provides as part of the total package.
• Consider mentioning your range
• Given all the variables we’ve just covered, it can sometimes be hard to come up with just the right amount.  In this case, it’s a good idea to consider mentioning a salary range, instead of one firm number.

Has the employer asked for you to use a specific format? If so, follow their instructions.

If they haven’t specified that they want your salary requirement in a specific format, then you have a few options open to you.

Use a salary range

When you include your salary requirements in a cover letter, consider phrasing it as a salary range instead of an absolute number. You can say something like, “My salary requirement is in the $50,000-60,000 range.”

While this doesn't give the employer an exact figure, it gives them an idea of what you hope to earn. That way, you and the employer have some flexibility to move forward with, and you can avoid being dismissed for asking for too much or too little.

When using a range, still make sure the high and low figures are realistic based on your experience, the position, your industry and the other considerations we talked about.

Tell the employer your salary requirements are negotiable

Another good idea is to tell the employer you’re willing to negotiate your salary based on their budget, the specific requirements of the job, and other compensation considerations like benefits. This is vague, so it may not satisfy their question entirely, but it addresses it, and opens the door to move forward.

Say that you're flexible

This is something you should always do. Whether you provide a salary range or include a definite figure, you should include a sentence letting the employer know that your salary requirements are flexible.

This way, if your ask is out of their range, they may still bring you in for an interview instead of casting your application aside.  Saying this also means you can talk about the salary more once you have a better idea of the company and their expectations from the interview process.

Writing a cover letter can be tricky.  There are a lot of considerations about their design , their general format , the best outline to use , and even how to start writing and how to close them.

Including a salary requirement adds another complication that you might struggle with. The examples below should give you an idea of how you might tackle it in your specific case.

Example 1 - Firm Number

Based on my qualifications, professional results, certifications, and the range of duties and responsibilities of the role, my salary requirement is $75,000 per year. Please note that I am, however, flexible and willing to negotiate based on your budget, requirements, and the complete compensation package being offered. I would be happy to further discuss my salary requirements once I have a better picture of the offer, your position, as well as the potential for career advancement.

Example 2 - Salary Range

As per your request, I would like to suggest a salary in the range of $75,000 to $90,000. My requested salary is based on my previous salary history, the posted job description, my direct and related experience, and my research on the typical compensation for this role in the industry. As you’ll see in my resume, I have put many years into my education and regularly take classes and certifications to continue my professional development, and I feel I would add great value to your team. Please bear in mind that the actual salary we might agree on is also negotiable based on other relevant factors such as professional development opportunities, employee benefits, and career advancement.

Example 3 - Salary Range

With regard to your request for a desired salary, and based on the listed job duties and responsibilities, I would like to suggest compensation in the $40,000-$50,000 range. I base this on having researched the salaries for comparable roles in the industry, considering my academic qualifications living, and bearing in mind the cost of living in Portland. I would be happy to further discuss this, and would be willing to negotiate this salary based on any further information you can provide about the role and compensation.

Example 4 - Firm Number Briefly

My salary requirement is $85,000, which is comparable with the average compensation for a professional with my level of experience in the local market. My salary expectation is flexible, depending on other benefits you can provide such as career advancement, bonuses, and your overall compensation package.

Example 5 - Salary Range Briefly

Per your request, based on the posted job description, my credentials, and industry research, an acceptable salary range for this role is $75,000-$80,000. My salary requirements are negotiable, depending on the opportunities to earn bonuses, career advancement, and professional development.

If you’re asked, including your salary requirement is just one of several things you should be sure to include in your cover letter. The general structure we recommend doesn’t typically include this item.

So where should you add the salary requirement?

Our recommendation is that your cover letter include an introduction, and two body paragraphs explaining why you’re the perfect candidate for the job and why you are a good fit for the company.

We’d say you should include the salary requirement at this point -  either as short a standalone paragraph, or as part of your closing call to action paragraph. Take a look at our cover letter examples and templates if you want to get a better idea of exactly what this structure looks like and where to add the salary expectation.

You can also use our cover letter builder to be sure you’re putting together the best possible cover letter to land your next job.

• If they don’t ask, then you shouldn’t ask!
• Thoroughly research your desired rate of pay.
• Use sentences such as "My salary expectation is flexible depending upon the overall compensation package and additional benefits such as opportunities for advancement.," or "Per your request, given my qualifications and achievements, my salary requirement is $X0,000(-$X0,000).
• Always state your compensation requirements are flexible or negotiable.
• Include your salary requirement just before or as part of your closing call to action paragraph.

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How to Include Salary Requirements in Your Cover Letter (With Examples)

Introduction.

Incorporating salary requirements in a cover letter can be a delicate task. It's essential to communicate your salary expectations to potential employers while remaining open to negotiation and demonstrating your worth. The importance of addressing salary requirements when requested by an employer cannot be overstated, as not doing so could lead to negative consequences. This article will guide you through the process of researching industry standards, calculating a fair salary range, and effectively incorporating your salary expectations into your cover letter. We'll also provide practical examples and tips to help you navigate this important aspect of the job application process.

When to Include Salary Requirements in a Cover Letter

Knowing when to include salary requirements in your cover letter is crucial to avoid appearing uncooperative or uninformed. It's generally appropriate to include salary requirements in your cover letter when:

• An employer explicitly requests salary requirements.
• You're applying for positions with publicly disclosed salary ranges.
• The job posting or application instructions mention salary requirements.
• You have a strong understanding of the industry and role-specific salary norms.

However, be aware of the risks associated with mentioning salary requirements when not requested. Doing so can come across as presumptuous and may harm your chances of securing an interview.

Researching Industry Standards

Understanding industry standards for salary is essential when determining your expectations and negotiating with potential employers. To research industry standards, consider the following factors:

• The specific role and its responsibilities.
• The industry in which you'll be working.
• The geographic location of the job.

Leverage your professional network to gather salary information and use online resources like SalaryExpert to research salary ranges. Staying up-to-date with industry trends and changes can help you make informed decisions about your salary expectations.

Calculating a Fair Salary Range

A fair salary range should be calculated based on various factors, including your experience, education, and the job's location. To determine a fair salary range, consider the following:

• Evaluate your experience and skills.
• Factor in your level of education.
• Consider the geographic location of the job.
• Assess the desirability of your skillset.
• Review any professional certifications and licenses you possess.

By taking these factors into account, you can develop a salary range that accurately reflects your worth and aligns with industry standards.

Options for Including Salary Requirements in a Cover Letter

There are several methods to include salary requirements in a cover letter, each with its unique benefits and drawbacks:

• Including a salary range: Providing a range allows you to communicate your expectations while demonstrating flexibility. For example, "Based on my research and experience, I'm seeking a salary in the range of $50,000 to $60,000."
• Stating your salary requirements are negotiable: This approach signals your willingness to work with the employer to find a mutually agreeable salary. For instance, "I'm open to discussing my salary requirements and am confident that we can arrive at a fair compensation package."
• Mentioning your flexibility regarding compensation: Expressing flexibility shows that you're open to considering various forms of compensation, such as bonuses, equity, or additional benefits. Example: "While base salary is important, I'm also interested in the overall compensation package, including benefits and potential for growth."
• Answering the salary question indirectly: Instead of providing a specific figure or range, you can discuss your salary expectations in relation to industry standards or your previous compensation. For example, "I'm seeking a competitive salary that aligns with industry benchmarks and reflects my experience and skills."
• Providing a specific salary figure based on research: If you're confident in your research and the value you bring, you can state a specific salary figure. Example: "Based on my research and experience, I believe a fair salary for this position would be $55,000."

Examples of Including Salary Requirements in a Cover Letter

Practical examples can help illustrate the different methods of incorporating salary requirements in a cover letter:

Example 1: Including a salary range "I have researched the industry and, considering my experience and skillset, I am seeking a salary in the range of $50,000 to $60,000." Example 2: Stating salary requirements are negotiable "While I do have a desired salary in mind, I am open to discussing my salary requirements and am confident that we can arrive at a fair compensation package." Example 3: Mentioning flexibility regarding compensation "While base salary is important to me, I am also interested in the overall compensation package, including benefits and potential for growth within the company." Example 4: Answering the salary question indirectly "I'm seeking a competitive salary that aligns with industry benchmarks and reflects my experience and skills. I am confident that we can find a mutually agreeable compensation package." Example 5: Providing a specific salary figure "Based on my research and experience, I believe a fair salary for this position would be $55,000."

Tips for Successfully Incorporating Salary Requirements

Successfully incorporating salary requirements in a cover letter involves careful research, clear communication, and a willingness to remain flexible. To effectively include your salary requirements, consider the following tips:

• Conduct thorough research on industry standards and salary ranges. Use resources like SalaryExpert to gather data on salary ranges and industry norms.
• Be clear and concise in your communication. Clearly state your salary expectations while remaining open to negotiation.
• Demonstrate your value and worth without appearing inflexible. Highlight your skills, experience, and education to justify your salary expectations.
• Be prepared to discuss and negotiate salary requirements during the interview process. Practice discussing your salary expectations and be ready to provide evidence to support your desired compensation.
• Maintain a positive and professional tone when discussing salary expectations. Show that you're open to finding a fair and mutually agreeable compensation package.

Incorporating salary requirements in a cover letter can be a delicate task, but by following this step-by-step guide and incorporating practical examples, you can effectively communicate your salary expectations to potential employers. Remember the importance of addressing salary requirements when requested, conducting thorough research to understand industry norms, and calculating a fair salary range based on your experience, education, and the job's location. Additionally, clear communication and flexibility in salary negotiations play a crucial role in securing a job with a fair salary. By mastering these skills and crafting a well-written cover letter, you'll be better prepared to navigate the job market and land a position that meets your financial and professional goals.

How to Include Salary Expectations in a Cover Letter

In past decades, salary expectations were typically kept private during the initial stages of a job offer. Nowadays, many employers ask for or want to know what you hope to be paid in your first job as a way to better assess whether they can offer you a competitive or desirable salary. However, including salary expectations in your cover letter or application can be a tricky task.

The good news? There are ways to do this effectively without entering into an awkward situation with a potential employer at such a formative stage in a career. In this article, we’re going to discuss how to include salary expectations in a cover letter.

If you need help on the writing part, check out our augmented writing technology for cover letters .

Why Companies Want Your Salary Information

Companies request your salary information for various reasons. One of them is just in case your requested salary exceeds their budget. If this is the case, they will screen you out because they’re not looking to pay that much, or because they assume you will not be satisfied in working for the company for less money than you’re used to.

Another instance of this is if your salary requirement is lower than the company is willing to pay. In this scenario, they might just offer you a lower salary than another candidate. Many wonder how to write expected salary in cover letters, and look for tips to get around this.

What Exactly Are Salary Requirements?

Put simply, a salary requirement is the amount of annual income a person expects in order to accept a certain position. Here’s how to include salary requirements in a cover letter:

• Prior salary history
• Previous work experience
• Your skills
• The industry
• Cost of living

How to Include Salary Expectations in a Cover Letter – Example

If you’re wondering how to write expected salary in cover letters, check out this brilliant example provided by thebalancecareers.com

Your Address

Your City, State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Hiring Manager

Company Name

City, State Zip Code

Dear Hiring Manager,

I’m writing to express my strong interest in the Web Design Specialist position listed on Craigslist.

I have experience designing consumer-focused health-based websites. While much of my experience has been in the business world, I understand the social value of the non-profit sector.

My responsibilities have included the design and development of the site’s editorial voice and style, and the daily content programming and production of the website. I worked closely with health care professionals and medical editors to help them provide the best possible information to a consumer audience of patients and health care professionals.

Experience has taught me how to build strong relationships with all departments at an organization. I have the ability to work within a team as well as cross-team.

I can work with web engineers to resolve technical issues and implement technical enhancements, work with the development department to implement design and functional enhancements, and monitor site statistics and conduct search engine optimization.

My salary requirement is in the $70,000 – $80,000 range. However, my salary is negotiable based on the overall compensation package.

I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration.

Signature (hard copy letter)

FirstName LastName

On occasion, a potential employer may ask you to include a history of your salary, or alongside your salary expectations on your cover letter. But what is salary history? And do you know how to include salary history in cover letters? If not, let’s find out.

How to Include Salary History in Cover Letters

Your salary history is a document that lists all of your past earnings. It typically includes the name of each company you previously were employed by, along with your job title, salary, and benefits package.

The difference between your salary expectations and your salary history is what you were actually earning in previous roles, compared to what you expect to earn within your next.

Bear in mind that you don’t want to mention your salary history unless you’re specifically asked to. Your cover letter should focus on why you’re a perfect fit for the role, rather than talking about the expected salary or your salary history.

In addition to this, you don’t want to put yourself in a corner. Letting out all of these important details may have a negative impact on you when it comes to negotiating for better compensation later on down the line.

In answer to the question ‘’how to include salary history in your cover letter’’ – a great way to do this is to include a salary history page within your cover letter. On the salary history page, you could include the past one, two, or three jobs you have held. Ensure you list the jobs in reverse chronological order (with the most recent job at the top).

Karen Maristani

Karen invented writing, the airplane, and the internet. She was also the first person to reach the North Pole. She has flown to Mars and back in one day, and was enthusiastically greeted by Aliens. She has also worked as a copywriter and journalist for many years and has helped hundreds of people writing the perfect job application.

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How To Include Salary Requirements In A Cover Letter (With Examples)

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Find a Job You Really Want In

When you apply for a job, you may be asked about your salary requirements . Answering this question correctly is crucial. If you ask for an amount that is too high, you may be priced out of an interview or job offer . If you ask for an amount that is too low, you will find yourself boxed into a less than preferable salary.

We will go over why employers ask for salary requirements, when to include them, and how you should do it to help you get your desired salary.

Key Takeaways:

Salary requirements should appear at the end of the cover letter , but only when asked.

Provide a range when possible and a specific amount only when necessary.

Base your salary requirement on online research that includes industry standards, cost of living, and your educational/professional experience.

Salary requirements help an employer budget for a new hire.

What Are Salary Requirements?

Why do employers ask for salary requirements, when to include salary requirements and compensation in a cover letter, how to provide your salary requirements, example cover letter with salary requirements, how to calculate a fair salary range, final thoughts.

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A salary requirement is an amount you determine you would like to be paid. As an applicant, it also reveals to your employer important information about you. When you make a salary requirement, you should base it on your prior salary, skills/experience, and the cost of living in the area you will work.

The salary requirement can be listed as a specific amount or as a range. This depends on what your employer specifies in their inquiry. They may also ask for a salary history , which would be listing your past salaries and benefits from previous employers. It is essential to note the distinction between a salary requirement, which is something you are asking for, and a salary history, which is something you have received.

You should know that some states limit what companies can inquire about your salary history. Look up what your state’s laws are before you provide a salary history.

There are many reasons why an employer may ask for a salary requirement.

To fit their budget. Generally, the employer has a budgeted amount they can offer. If your salary requirement is too high, they will likely hesitate to give you an offer unless you are an exceptional candidate.

To see how you value yourself. A salary requirement reveals a lot about you. This will let them know if you are aware of how your skills and experience match up to the position. With this in mind, the employer can then go ahead and filter out candidates who seem outside their price range or show an inability to understand their professional value.

To see if you are at the right level for the position. If your salary is on the lower end of what they have budgeted, it could mean that you have a lower experience than what the job requires. And if you have over, it may mean you are overqualified.

Salary requirements. An employer may ask you to provide a salary requirement in your cover letter . Only include salary requirements if the application requires one. There is no reason to offer it unsolicited, as it could either remove you from consideration or else commit you to a salary you later might regret.

Do not ignore the request to provide a salary requirement. Always follow directions during an application. If you do not, then the employer may worry about your ability to follow directions in the future and reject your application .

Note if the employer asks for a specific salary amount. If you have the option, it is better to provide a range of desired salaries. This helps increase your chances that your salary requirement will be within an amount agreeable to the employer.

Compensation. Compensation needs, like salary requirements, may be asked on your application. Your employer will ask what non-monetary expectations you have for the position. This includes benefits such as healthcare, vacation time/paid time off , retirement plans such as a 401k, childcare, maternity leave, employee recreational activities, tuition reimbursement , and travel assistance.

Like salary requirements, you should only mention your compensation needs if you are asked. In your cover letter, prioritize your compensation and list as few as possible. Again, you do not want to box yourself in during the application process. Pick benefits that are immediately important to you, such as healthcare , and leave the rest for the interview .

Once you have determined your salary requirements, you should place them in your cover letter’s final paragraph. Keep this section short. You do not want it to distract from your cover letter’s overall message , which should highlight why you are a great fit for the position.

There are three options you can take when including a salary requirement in your cover letter:

Provide a specific amount. If the application asks for a specific salary amount, then you should comply and provide one. Failing to do so may be interpreted as an inability or unwillingness to follow directions, which should be avoided.

When you pick a specific amount, you need to balance the highest amount for you with what you think is a fair amount to ask for. Research the position and industry standards and balance with your own needs. As always, show a willingness to be flexible.

With my experience, I will be a great project manager who combines empathy with results. My salary requirement is $91,050. I can be flexible and am willing to negotiate this requirement.

Provide a range. If the application asks for a salary requirement but does not specify the amount, this is your best option. It allows for the greatest flexibility in negotiations and provides you with the best chance of landing your desired amount.

Like a specific amount, base your salary range off of the industry norms and your skill set, along with your needs and cost of living expenses.

With my experience, I will be a great project manager who combines empathy with results. My salary requirement is in the $90,000 to $100,000 range. I can be flexible and am willing to negotiate this requirement.

Avoid providing an amount. This is the last resort option if you are either uncomfortable or unwilling to discuss salary requirements. In such an instance, you should still show that you are willing to be flexible. Keep it short and honest.

I do not wish to discuss my salary requirements at this time. However, I would be willing and flexible to discuss it at a further date.

It is imperative to mention that you are flexible, and your requirements are negotiable. You want to show that you are open to compromise. If you keep your options open, then the employer will see you can work towards a mutual goal. Negotiability also helps if your salary range falls outside the employer’s budgeted offer.

To the Hiring Representative, I am applying for the project manager position at United Group. I have several years of project management experience, and I think it would be a great fit at United Group. In my past experience with Divided Inc., I effectively led teams that constructed user interfaces for our company’s web and mobile apps. My responsibilities included investigating software issues and developing new infrastructure based on pioneering tech trends. A lot of this work involved independent project management as well as collaboration with other team members. During my time as a project manager at Divided, Inc., I was able to develop my communication skills and specialize in task management using video conferencing software. This became particularly useful as we began work remotely as an organization. During this time, I also liaised with research institutions and became familiar with prototype development. Due to my knowledge, I have been asked to train other team members and have been entrusted to lead lectures for several other partner organizations. With my experience, I will be a great project manager who combines empathy with results. My salary requirement is in the $90,000 to $100,000 range. I can be flexible and am willing to negotiate this requirement. Please consider my application. I would love the opportunity to further discuss my skills and career goals. Thank you , Alex Smith

There are several factors to consider when you calculate your salary requirements. If you decide to provide a range, make sure it is fair. This means it is something you and your potential employer can agree on. Make it an amount you would be happy to receive and one that would not remove you from consideration.

Research the industry standard for the position. Go online and look up the average salary for the type of job you are applying to. Resources like Payscale , Salary.com , and the Bureau of Labor Statistics are excellent for determining your professional worth. You may find a range or only a single amount. If you do find a single amount, consider that your midpoint for your range.

Know your experience and skill set. If you have a lot of experience or a high level of demand for your skills, you need to base your salary range on the higher end of the industry standard. Conversely, if you are new to a position , you must approach your requirement from the lower end.

Consider your education and training. If you come from a higher education background or carry relevant certifications, you can make your requirements higher than the average range.

Consider the cost of living. Your salary requirements should, in part, be based on the geographic location of where you work. If a city, such as New York , has a higher cost of living than, say, Omaha , then you again will want to ask for a higher than average salary to meet your basic needs.

Make your range reasonable. It does not do you any good to ask for a salary in such a large range that the information is relevant. For example, you would say your requirements are between $40,000 and $100,000 even if the average salary is $70,000. Try to make your range within 20 to 30 percent of the midrange.

Your salary requirement is part of the more extensive dialogue you may have with a potential employer. Do not be afraid to stand up for your needs but also be reasonable in your expectations. By following these tips, you should be able to do just that.

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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Writing a Cover Letter with Salary Expectations

When applying for a job, you may be required to include salary requirements in your cover letter.

As a rule, it is not wise and is even considered a bad practice to include your salary expectations in a cover letter. It is recommended to avoid indicating salary expectations in cover letters unless you have been explicitly asked to provide them.

This is because you will not have an idea about the job description and salary ranges until you receive the job offer and/or the interviewer raises this issue. Revealing salary expectations prematurely could lead to an ineffective decision during the preliminary stages.

You want to be in the best position of power, discussing/negotiating your expected salary only after the company decides to hire you and provides you with a job offer.

How to Address Salary Expectations

My first suggestion is that if the company doesn’t ask for it, avoid revealing your salary expectations in your cover letter. You should first secure the position and get an offer before discussing salary further. Therefore, include your salary requirements (i.e. salary expectations) only when you have been asked for this information.

However, there might be cases when a recruiter/employer asks for your expectations after seeing your resume. It is their first selection criteria, and there is no escaping it. In fact, it is always a no-win situation for you – you must quote a figure which is either too high or too low. What should you do if they do ask?

A Guide to Including Salary Expectations in Your Cover Letter

This section discusses how to navigate salary expectations in your cover letter and provides a sample letter for the same. It also deals with the elements that comprise the salary range for a job opening.

Why do they ask about your salary requirements?

The dilemma starts with the fact that most (if not all) job hiring ads do not contain employer salary limits.

The employer’s position: Employers require this information to understand your salary expectations, which is their first selection criteria. In fact, it appears that you may find yourself in three no-win situations:

• If they find that you are looking for a higher salary, they will not waste any further time since they will not be able to pay you that amount.
• They might have the idea that you will not be happy working for a lower salary.
• On the other hand, if your expectations are lower, you might land yourself a lower salary package.

That is why your salary requirements in the cover letter have to demonstrate your desire to keep the door open.

Your position:

• You can state that your salary package is negotiable based on the overall compensation offered, including benefits.
• You may provide a base salary (from-to) after researching the current market, like $50,000 – $75,000 annually, with the lower number representing your original salary expectation.

Both options put you in a good position since they offer you flexibility during the salary negotiation stage.

What to Do When Asked for Salary Requirements in a Cover Letter

Conduct Research!

Before writing the cover letter that includes your salary requirement, you must research the average salaries of the position based on several variants.

Make sure you take a good look at the following factors:

1. Salary survey and salary range You need to spend time reading current industry reviews (salary surveys) and the salary ranges for people having a similar career status to the one you are applying for.

2. The company field It is also necessary to look into the field of the hiring company since their salaries mostly depend on the industry that they are engaged in.

3. Job location The cost of living also forms an important part of determining your salary since it differs from location to location. For example, a financial advisor in New York is paid higher than one from Arizona since these two places have a cost-of-living gap. Hence job location needs to be kept in mind during your research.

4. Supply vs. Demand This is one of the most important factors in determining salary range. If an industry is saturated with a lot of people who have the same qualifications and skill set, employers gain the upper hand, resulting in a lower salary being offered than would have been the case if people were in short supply for the required position. On the other hand, if the demand and supply are both high, as is the case with software programmers, companies may offer high salary packages to attract these professionals and be the first to hire them.

5. Compensation including benefits Some professions, like marketing and sales, have compensation structures that include benefits. You need to find out not only the salary range but also the total compensation structure that comprises all benefits for a given position. This is called the total cost to company (CTC).

6. Comparing apples to apples Some professions require more competencies than others, and the hiring company is going to consider your overall skills, experience, and qualifications when deciding your pay. Therefore, these points should be highlighted in your cover letter or resume.

How to Handle the Salary Question in Your Cover Letter

The Dos and Don’ts of Salary Requirements – There are two options for stating your salary expectations:

• Give a wide range of numbers to have the best chance of matching the company budget.
• Give a top range, aiming high but ready to negotiate.

You may state “willing to negotiate salary” or indicate “flexible where salary is concerned, considering it only one important factor of the overall job aspects.”

Sample cover letter with salary requirements

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you for considering me for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I am excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute my skills to the company’s success.

As requested, my salary expectations are in the range of [Salary Range]. I arrived at this number after researching the current market trends and taking into consideration my experience and qualifications. However, I am open to discussing this further during the interview process and considering the overall compensation package, including benefits.

I possess [X years of experience] in [relevant skill/industry] and have demonstrated the ability to [mention one or two key accomplishments or skills that align with the job description]. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong fit for this position, and I am eager to contribute to the success of the team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further.

[Your Name]

2 nd Example

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to apply for the [Position Name] at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job advertisement]. I have over [Number of Years] years of experience in [Relevant Experience], and I am confident that my skills and expertise make me the perfect fit for this role.

As requested, my expected salary range is [Your Expected Salary Range]. However, I am willing to negotiate based on the overall compensation offered, including benefits.

I am excited about the opportunity to join your team at [Company Name] and to contribute my skills and expertise to [Specific Project or Goal]. Thank you for considering my application. Please find my resume attached for your review.

3rd Sample Top of Form

[Insert Date] [Insert Company Name and Address]

I am excited to submit my application for the [Position] at [Company Name]. After researching the position and your company, I am convinced that this is an excellent match for my qualifications, expertise, and interests.

In terms of salary, I am flexible and willing to negotiate based on the overall compensation offered, including benefits. However, as a benchmark, my salary expectations for this position are between [Insert Range], with the lower number representing my original salary expectation.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further.

4 th Sample As regards your request, I have researched the market based on the job description and have come up with a salary range of $50,000 – $70,000 without any benefits or supplements added to the scale. This is negotiable depending on the total compensation, career growth opportunities and other factors. Thank you for your time and consideration.

5 th Sample As for the salary requirements, my expectations are as follows – $X. However, I trust you will consider this figure following a job interview as I am flexible to negotiate all aspects of the job offer.

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How to write cover letter salary requirements + 6 examples

For certain jobs, recruiters may request the applicants to disclose their salary requirements before attending the interview.

If you’re reading this article, the chances are that you have been asked by the employer to disclose your salary requirements or expectations on your cover letter. In asking this question, employers want to know for how much money you are willing to work for in this particular role that you are applying for.

A typical advertisement would state:

“Candidates interested in applying for this should send their CV , along with a covering letter including details of salary expectations.”

Talking about money may seem awkward at the best of times; however, employers want to find out about this information for legitimate reasons (see below). It is therefore advisable that you do disclose this information on your cover letter in a considered and diplomatic manner.

Should I disclose my desires salary this early in the recruitment process?

If there is no formal request from the prospective employer, you should never disclose anything about money or your desired wages this early in the hiring process. It is the quickest and fastest way to knock yourself out before even reaching the interview stage!

If, on the other hand, the advertisement specifically asks you to disclose your salary expectations then you should do so without hesitating. This is because employers want to see whether you can follow simple instructions. If you can’t follow their instructions now, what guarantee is there that you will follow their instructions once they hire you?

Why do recruiters ask me about my salary expectations?

Asking about your salary requirements allows the prospective employer to get a better idea of what you’d like to earn and how that will fit in with the role that is being advertised.

It is also a way for employers to minimise wasting their time, money and resources on interviewing candidates that they are unable to pay because of their high salary requirements.

It may be that you are under-or-over qualified for the position, and that will could potentially be deduced from your answer.

It is also an effective way of measuring your self-worth. If your expectation is too low, the recruiter might think you that don’t value yourself or that may not be able to properly function in the job.

In certain circumstances, however, this may work in your favour; particularly in a small company which is looking for ways to save money and recruit only those that do not require a high payout.

On the flip side, having a very high expectation means that you are either overqualified for the position, or that you are unrealistic about the scope of the advertised position.

It is, therefore, essential that you give a figure that is reasonable and balanced.

How to write your salary requirements on your cover letter

Many applicants make the mistake of giving a single figure (e.g. £25,000) when asked about their desired earnings goal.

Narrowing down your earnings expectations to a single figure is never a good idea because it leaves you with no room for negotiation!

It also puts you in a very disadvantaged position because the employer will, undoubtedly, try to bring down your “minimum” offer even further.

Instead of giving a single figure and putting yourself in a disadvantaged position, you should give a range of how much you would like to earn.

It is never a good idea to determine a salary range based on your gut feeling, greed or desperation as you may come up with unrealistic or unreasonable figures.

For a more methodological and scientific approach, follow the following three steps to come to a suitable earnings range for your cover letter:

• Step 1: Find out the average wage for the job that you’re applying for in that particular location (e.g. approximately £25,000).
• Step 2: Based on the average salary of your findings (e.g. £25,000), establish a salary range of +/- 10% (e.g. £22,500 – £27,000).
• Step 3: Slightly adjust this salary range (e.g. £22,500 – £27,000) depending on your income goals and worth in the job market, leaving some room for negotiation and flexibility (see examples below).

How to include your salary requirements on your cover letter

Other recommended formats and wordings that you can use on your cover letter :

• In response to your request, my salary requirement is somewhere between £30,000 and £40,000, depending on the job requirements and the benefits offered by [insert company name here] .
• My salary expectations are in the £40,000 – £50,000 range.
• Low-to-mid £30K annually, plus additional benefits and bonuses.
• Given my extensive experience in the Media Market, wages range of £29k – £36k per annum, depending on the scope and nature of the position and benefits offered.
• My salary expectations are between £20,000 and £28,000. It is negotiable depending on the additional benefits offered.

Should I disclose my salary history?

Employers asking about your salary history are interested in knowing what you have been paid in your previous roles. They will use this information to determine a “suitable” wage for you.

Requests for the disclosure of previous’ job’s earnings is quite uncommon.

However, some employers still request this information:

In this scenario, you may not have much choice but to reveal your past salaries and be willing to fight your case during the interview stage if you feel that you are being offered less money than you are worth or deserve.

• Do not mention anything about salaries on your CV.
• Do not include your salary requirements on your cover letter if you have not been asked to do so by the employer. These things are better discussed face-to-face at the interview stage.
• Do not make the same mistake as one unlucky candidate who wrote “the higher the better” when asked to disclose their salary requirements! Needless to say, they weren’t invited for a job interview.
• Be flexible and reasonable if the employer insists that they can only pay you a certain amount which is still within the lower ends of your desired salary range. In many cases and for legitimate reasons, employers have a maximum limit on the amount that they are willing or able to pay.
• Use different cover letter salary expectations for different individual jobs that you are applying for. Take a number of things into consideration, including the size of the employer, location and the job role.
• Be confident and don’t undersell yourself. In the words of Rocky Balboa; “If you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth!”

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