How to List Salary Requirements in a Cover Letter

State specific reasons for your salary requirements in your cover letter.

A cover letter is meant to outline the traits, skills and experience that qualify you for the job you're applying for. The cover letter is also the place where you address requirements requested by the employer, such as your salary requirements or expectations. If you are not asked by an employer for salary expectations, do not include them. But if the employer wants you to include your salary requirements, write cautiously and back up your expectations with proof and experience.

Instructions

1. Address the cover letter to the person named on the job listing, if named. State your reasons for applying for the job and why you believe you are a qualified candidate.

2. Address any requirements requested in the job posting by the employer. This can include a listing of certificates, work experience or education.

3. Start the salary requirement paragraph by stating the salary or salary range you feel you are qualified to get for this specific position. For example, write that you believe the specific salary or range you cite is appropriate for the responsibilities of the job.

4. Provide reasons why this salary or salary range is appropriate. Use your past work experience and education to justify the figure.

5. Do not bring up past salaries or wages as your justification for a high salary. Do not state the salary you earned at your previous job, or your current salary, and why you feel you should now get a raise. The employer does not care about your past salaries and does not feel obligated to match or provide a higher salary.

6. Add that you would like to hear the employer's feedback regarding your salary expectations. This indicates you are willing to be flexible if the employer has another figure in mind and could lead to an interview and eventually a job offer. At that point, you can negotiate over salary.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't want to be locked into giving a specific salary figure, provide a salary range. This can allow you more room for negotiation if you get a job offer.

References

• 1st Writer: Salary History and Salary Requirements
• Technical Job Search: Salary Requirement Letters