How should you answer a 'salary requirements' question on a job application?

Answer 1

I always put "will discuss". That way, you're not taking a lower salary than you should get and you're not too demanding in you answer either. You could say: competitive rate. Avoiding a specific figure is a good idea since it may be outside of the pay range that they are offering so it may cut you out of the running. "While only a market base salary is expected, it is anticpated that will grow based on my performance". I interview folks on a daily basis. Answer every question on the application and leave that one blank. The interviewer will bring up the question; how much money are you looking for? That will be the time to negotiate considering you meet the minimum qualifications and they are interested in you.

Answer 2

Never list salary requirements. They can be used to filter you out. Cover letters are usually screened by some Human Resources drone who matches a one-size-fits-all written job description with the incoming resumes and cover letters. You don't want this person excluding you based on something that's purely numerical. It's happened more than once that someone is offered a different job from the one that was originally described to HR. Use your cover letter to get in the door. Then talk to the right people. Then get a job offer. Then negotiate salary.

Answer 3

Towards the end of your letter when your wrapping things up let them know your salary requirments (you can even let them know what you made at your last job if it will help)and that with your experience and knowledge that you would prove to be a valuable asset to them. The answer I've always been told is not to list salary requirements, certainly if you haven't been asked. If you have been asked, still don't list a number. You don't know what they're willing to pay and a random figure could disclude you before anyone even reads the resume. Instead, dance around the question, stating something like, "With regard to salary, I am negotiable on this point. I'm confident we can reach a comfortable figure when the time comes.

Answer 4

It's tough when an employer asks for a salary requirement in a cover letter, because you generally don't know the right salary number to put down. Write a number that's too high, and you can price yourself out of the job. Write a number that's too low and you just sold yourself short. Here's a good trick: check out www.jobnob.com. They list salaries by COMPANY! Not just averages like other sites. So search Jobnob and see if the company your are applying for a job for is listed there. If so, you will know EXACTLY how much they are paying their employees- the average and the range (low to high). Then you can decide how badly you want the job- you can play it safe and put the average or a low, or gamble and put a higher number.

Answer 5

Include it on the cover letter. Don't. Say "Negotiable". If you write down a figure they will use it to weed you out. Salary history is much better.