Disclosing Salary Requirements/History
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 Disclosing
Salary Requirements and Salary History
Many job postings ask you to include your salary history or your salary
requirements when applying for the position. First of all, if the ad
doesn't mention it, don't offer any salary information. If at all
possible, you want the prospective employer to bring up the issue of
compensation first.
Employers request salary information for various reasons. If your salary
is too high, they can screen you out because they don't want to pay that
much or because they think you won't be happy working for less money. If
your current salary is lower than the company was planning to pay, they
may offer you a lower salary.
Including Salary History
If you are asked to include your salary history with your resume,
you could ignore the request, but, that means you could risk not getting
an interview.
There is nothing employers like less than candidates who don't follow
directions. An alternative would be to include a salary range on past jobs rather than
a specific amount. If you do include your salary history, be honest. It's
easy for potential employers to verify your salary with previous
employers. Do this as an attachment to the resume.
A salary history can be listed on a separate page and enclosed with your
resume and cover letter. Click
here to view a
example of a salary history.
OR
you can address them in your cover letter. Click
here to view a cover letter that has
the salary history listed. Employers request salary histories and/or
requirements to help them determine if there is a fit monetarily.
If you're fairly certain that your salary history
matches well with an organization's expectations and compensation structure,
you can include this in your cover letter. If you are uncertain that your
salary history or requirements are a close match, use language in your cover
letter to the effect that, with regard to salary, you are sure the employer
has a fair compensation program, and that your primary interest is in this
company and opportunity.
Salary Requirements
When salary requirements are requested, you have a little more
flexibility.
- One option is to state that your salary requirements are
negotiable based upon the position and the overall total compensation
package, including benefits.
- Another alternative is to include a
range,
based on the salary research you've done, i.e. my salary requirement is in
the $30,000 - $40,000 range.
Either way, note that your salary requirements are flexible. That may help
keep you in the running for the position and will give you some
flexibility when negotiating compensation later on.
- Salary requirements can be addressed in either
the cover letter or on a separate attachment.
Salary requirements can
be included in your cover letter with sentences such as "My salary
requirement is negotiable based upon the job responsibilities and the
total compensation package." or "My salary requirement is in the $25,000 -
$35,000+ range."
*Do not include your salary history or salary requirements in your resume.
Stating a Salary Range
When stating a salary range, it's important to make make sure that the
range is realistic. Do this by carefully researching what the position is
worth. Use salary surveys
to determine the average salary for the position you are interviewing for,
or for a similar position if you can't find information on the exact job
title you're looking for. When the position is in a different location,
use salary calculators to factor in cost-of-living expenses and to
estimate what you should be paid. There are a variety of salary surveys
and cost of living calculators , including industry-specific and geographic resources,
available online.
- Additional
salary information, click here.
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