Another Resume question

[tiggerlover]

When replying to an ad in the paper that requests a resume and salary requirements do you put your salary range in the resume itself or do you include it in a cover letter? I have never (in 18 years) had to include salary requirements in my initial contact, it has always been in the interview stage that this comes up, so I am clueless.

 

[Dolphin_Girl008]

I would put it in the cover letter.

 

[tar heel]

You most definitely do not put in on your resume.

About 25 years ago, the publisher of a major newspaper told dh and me that we should always turn down the request for listing $ with a job application. His recommendation (of course, he had not looked for a job in a long time) was to say something like "I'm uncomfortable taking about salary until we determine the more important issue, whether your company and I are right for each other."

If I were going to list a salary, it would be a broad range b/c so many factors go into it -- wonderful benefits would be a mitigating factor for taking a lower salary, for example. I also would actually put the words "depending on benefit package."

 

[ziggystardust]

You would put it in the cover letter, but don't ever say a specific number. (i've had the same issue come up not too long ago) you say that your salary range is negotiable depending on the benefit package and job requirements - or something to that effect. Job sites like monster give you specific ways to answer those questions - and I'm sure a lot better than I just did.

Good luck in your job search!

 

[Pugdog007]

I have to disagree with some of the previous posters about not wanting to list salary requirements. Every time I run an ad for a position, I request salary requirements. Because I typically receive hundreds of resumes, the ones that do not follow instructions and list this are disqualified. I simply don't have time to call or interview all and it is a process of elimination.

List it in the cover letter.

 

[Pin Wizard]

I came across this somewhere online not too long ago. Hope it helps!

When an employer asks to email my resume with "salary requirements," how do I fit that appropriately and tastefully into the body of my resume?

Thank you for your response.
Elizabeth
Birmingham, Alabama


Dear Elizabeth:

Often when candidates are asked to include salary requirements when submitting their resume and cover letter, they find themselves in a "no-win" situation. But how do you "play it safe" without turning them off? And, how do you know what a reasonable figure is when you don't even know what the job responsibilities are or what the entire compensation package is?

You do not want to state an actual number because if you state a number that is too high, the employer will automatically screen you out. If you state a number that is too low, the employer could either end up paying you less than what the position is worth or they might assume that your skills are not worth much and you will find that you are underselling yourself.

Address their request in your cover letter, not the resume. Give the employer a reasonable salary range with the lowest end being slightly higher than your absolute minimum. On the high end of the range, BE REASONABLE. You can state something like, "My salary requirement is in the $40,000 - $50,000 range, based on the job responsibilities and the total compensation package."

Including salary requirements in the cover letter gives you a chance to bullet-point why you are the right person for the job and emphasize to them that you are worth this money. Let your reader know that this range is negotiable depending upon the position's responsibilities as well as the total compensation package, including benefits. Your chances of being considered will increase if the employer knows you are flexible and negotiable.

Make sure you do some careful research to find out what the typical salary is for that type of position. There are salary calculators available online to determine the average salary, which even factor in cost of living indexes based on geography. Also, do not be afraid to call the employer; who knows, if you are friendly and upfront about your situation, the hiring manager (or someone in the same level or similar position), might be willing to share some of this information.

Working with an outside third-party recruiter can also often benefit you and help you around this subject. Not only will a recruiter be able to share with you more details of the overall job responsibilities, but also salary ranges the employer has allocated for the position. Furthermore, if your salary requirements are above their client's range, and if you are a great match for the role, a recruiter can be your advocate to the employer why you deserve such a salary. Recruiters usually work on contingency, so it is in their benefit to help you negotiate a salary as high as it can be.

 

[tiggerlover]

Thanks all! I am off this morning to fax off two resumes.....wish me luck!

 

[Dolphin_Girl008]

Good luck!

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

Good luck, tiggerlover!

 

[Pin Wizard]

Good luck, TL!