Resume cover letter question

[frannn]

I am emailing a resume "just in case" I get let go within the next month. My company is going through major changes, and, if they keep me on, I'm planning to stay. Everything is up in the air right now, but I found a local job listing that I am qualified for, and would like to try to get an interview. Problem is, I don't want my current job to know I am looking (boss is big on loyalty, but hasn't been vocal on his intentions for all our current staff). Is it in bad form to mention on the cover letter that I prefer they don't contact my current employer? Also, they request salary requirements, but I would prefer to negotiate that in person, since there are specific circumstances that govern what I would accept. Do I have to put a range?

 

[tlbwriter]

I don't think there's anything at all wrong with not wanting your employer to know you're looking, and any hiring person who does is probably someone you don't want to work with! As for salary requirements, I would never list them on a resume or cover letter. Just put "negotiable."

 

[LIDisneyFan]

No Hiring Manager or HR professional would contact a current employer. Don't mention salary in your cover letter -even is they ask, most people will not. On your resume, under Salary, indicate something like "Negotiable-position is of prime importance" or something like that.

Good luck-always pays to hedge your bets!

 

[golfgal]

It seems like more and more companies are asking for salary requirements. There are so many people looking for jobs that HR departments are using that as a weed out tool.

I agree that no employer will contact a current employer without your permission. They don't just start calling references before they do any interviews, waste of their time really. If you get the interview, they should ask if it is ok and only then do they usually call if you are a finalist for a position.