Salary Requirements: Resume Writing FAQs

How should requests for salary histories or salary requirements be handled when submitting a resume?

Do not include your salary history or salary requirements in your resume. If requested, you can address them in your cover letter.  Employers request salary histories and/or requirements to help them determine if there is a fit monetarily. If you're fairly certain that your salary history matches well with an organization's expectations and compensation structure, you can include this in your cover letter (but only if requested). If you're uncertain if your salary history or requirements are a close match, use language in your cover letter to the effect that, with regard to salary, you are sure the employer has a fair compensation program, and that your primary interest is in this company and opportunity.  If you need help estimating what a salary range is for a position, use our Salary Tools to get a ballpark salary range for a job (it will give you an estimate for a job title by state and city.

If you need additional help with the interview process, please review our Interview Tips & Tools.  For help with resumes, visit our Resume Writing Tips and  Resume Examples sections.  For additional help, consider using a Resume Builder or leverage a Resume Writing Service.