How to Write a Cover Letter Including Salary Requirements
Your cover letter is often the first impression an employer has of you. Use it as a device to win the employer over and call you in for an interview. You must be aware of potential pitfalls, however. An employer may ask you to submit salary requirements in the letter. Depending on how you respond, the salary requirements may disqualify you for an interview, especially if they are too high, too low or non-negotiable.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Research the company. At a minimum, find out whom you need to address the letter to and learn some facts about the company, such as its mission or history.
-
2
Research salary ranges for the position. According to the website Quintessential Careers, companies often screen applicants if the salary requested is too high or too low. Your past salary can help dictate the range.
-
-
3
Open a new document on your word processor. Type your address, centered at the top of the page. Type the recipient's address on the left-hand side of the page. Begin the letter cordially with "Dear Mr./Ms. [recipient's last name]." Place a colon after the name.
-
4
Describe how you found out about the job and what interests you about the company in the first paragraph. Discuss your strengths and relevant experience in the second paragraph.
-
5
Explain your salary requirements in the final section of the letter. Start with "Per your request, my salary requirements are as follows." Cite your low salary request and high salary request. Indicate that the request is flexible and negotiable.
-
6
Close the letter by thanking the reader for her time.
-
7
Proofread the letter for spelling and grammar mistakes.
-
8
Print the letter on professional-grade paper and sign it.
-
1
