With a competitive job market, landing a job that you can be passionate about and receive a competitive salary for is a difficult feat. And, although it is not easy, preparing yourself to discuss your desired salary is an important skill to have. Writing your expected salary in your resume is a critical step in the job application process. In this article, we provide tips on how to successfully communicate this information, so that you can feel confident when applying for job positions and demanding a salary that you know you deserve.
1. Do Your Research
Research the Industry
Before you start writing your expected salary in your resume, it is essential to research both the job position that you are applying for, and the average salary range of said position. Researching the industry can help you gain insight into the salary range that is acceptable within the job position. This information can help form your expectations, ensuring that you are well-prepared to discuss and demonstrate worth to employers.
Research the Company
In addition to researching the industry salary range averages, researching the company you are applying for is another important step. Learning about the company’s size, location, and the amount of applicants that have been interviewed for similar positions can also be useful in influencing the salary figure that appears in your resume.
2. Consider What You Offer
Evaluate Your Experience and Skills
Writing your expected salary in your resume is not only dependent on the industry and company you are applying to, but also on the value and experience that you bring to the table. Your experience and skills are essential when evaluating how much you should be expecting to make. Therefore, prior to writing your expected salary in your resume, make sure to adequately evaluate the assets that you bring to the job position.
Provide Documentation
In addition to accurately assessing the experience and skills you possess, providing supporting documentation in the form of job reference letters, performance reviews, and a selection of your best works will also help to strengthen your case and establish trust with employers. Such documentation provides evidence of your qualifications and worth to employers, making it easier to convince them to give you a salary that fairly compensates your work.
3. Assess Your Budget
Writing your expected salary in your resume should not mean that you impulsively place a salary figure that is significantly higher than other applicants, but instead establish a salary range that you believe is achievable within the job position. Working with a budget and facts that are realistic and down to earth can help you with this process. Doing research on living expenses such as rent, food, transportation, lifestyle etc., of the locale in which you plan to move to if you receive the job offer, can also be helpful in determining an expected salary range.
4. Format Your Resume
Once you have collected information on the job position, company, and industry and have established a salary expectation range, it’s time to start writing the expected salary in your resume. Be sure to format your resume in a neat and organized fashion, placing the salary figure within the context of the job information and not as the headline of your resume. Instead, include the salary information in the experience or profile section where you talk about other skills and qualifications and make sure to accompany the salary figure with your past job titles and experiences.
5. Write an Attractive Cover Letter
Writing your expected salary in your cover letter can be an effective way to get the employer’s attention. Chances are the company will receive numerous resumes, and the cover letter is an excellent opportunity to stand-out and communicate the salary requirements that you have established. This is also a great place to talk about why you have chosen the wage, and why you believe you deserve the salary range that you have written in your resume.
6. Be Flexible
Although it is important to set expectations, it is also important to be flexible. Don’t flat out ignore salary range offers that are less than what you are looking for and remain open to negotiation and creative proposals. If a company is offering a range lower than what you have established, it could be an opportunity to communicate the kind of work-life balance that you are looking for, or the development opportunities that could be inclusive in the job.
7. Prepare How to Discuss
Finally, it is essential that while writing your expected salary in your resume, you consider how you will speak to employers about the salary figure. Knowing how to approach the topic with confidence and matter-of-factness will give employers more of an understanding of who you are and your value, thus making it more likely that they are able to meet the terms that you are looking for. The key is to be well-prepared and ready to discuss the figure in great detail and with confidence.
People Also Ask
How much salary should I mention in my CV?
When writing your expected salary in a CV it is best to research the industry, company and job position, so that you can accurately assess your value. Establish a salary expectation range that is reasonable and attainable given the job position and make sure to mention this range in the experience or profile section of your CV.
What should I include in my job application?
Including a cover letter and a CV that has been tailored towards the job position is an essential step in the job application process. When writing your expected salary in the application, include the information in both documents, ensuring that you discuss the figure with confidence and poise. Additionally, provide documentation that displays your experience and accomplishments in order to better strengthen your case.
Should I include other job opportunities in my application?
This is not necessary. Mentioning other job opportunities can make the employer think that you are not 100% committed to the job position they are offering. Instead, focus on discussing why you are the best candidate for the job that you are applying to, and do your best to explain your expected salary in a persuasive and convincing way.
Final Words
Writing your expected salary in your resume is an important step when applying for a job that you are passionate about and deserve to be compensated fairly for. Assessing your skills and experience, evaluating the industry and company average salaries, preparing how to discuss the salary figure with employers, and remaining flexible with negotiation and creative job opportunities can all help you succeed in receiving the salary that you are looking for.