How to Mention Salary Expectations

When applying for a new job, discussing your salary expectations can be uncomfortable. Providing an adequate salary expectation that reflects your abilities may impress hiring managers and get you an interview. Sharing the right salary can also inform a company that your skills and expertise are within its budget, but it is a matter that should be treated with some care.

The only time it is ideal to broach the topic of salary expectations is when the employer has specifically asked for it. Let them take the lead in this case, it matters because you could quote a salary that is higher than the employer’s budget, which may force the company to reject your application. If your salary expectation is lower than expected, the employer may offer you something below your worth and value. 

Mentioning salary expectations without being asked might impact the employer's perception of your priorities. It may seem that you only care about the pay and not the organisation itself. You should only include the salary requirements in your cover letter when explicitly prompted to do so. In fact, disregarding such instructions could lead to your application being dismissed.

When deciding what salary expectations to put in your cover letter, it is often wiser to use a salary range rather than a specific figure. Using a range portrays flexibility and allows room for negotiation. Knowing what salary range to include in your cover letter requires some digging into the company and the role. Factors like your education, skills, and work experience are all things you should take into consideration to determine a salary range that is competitive yet realistic. You want to make sure that the lower end of your range is still acceptable to you.

Typically, the cover letter or resume isn’t the place to discuss salary expectations, but in the case that you are required to discuss it before you get interviewed, focus on showcasing your skills and enthusiasm for the role, then try to create a balance such that you are not overselling or underselling yourself. Try to Convey that while compensation is important to you, it's not the sole driver of your interest in the position.