There are a few different reasons you might want to include your salary on your resume.
If you’re in the process of negotiating a job offer and you want to be able to compare offers from different companies, it can be helpful for you to include the salary range for the position on your resume. This way, you can see how different offers compare and make a more informed decision about which one is right for you.
Another reason why someone might decide to include their current or previous salary on their resume is because it helps them demonstrate their value as an employee. If someone is offering a job that pays less than they were making at their previous job, they may feel like they’re being underpaid and won’t take the job unless they receive a raise or increase in pay. Including this information can help show employers that they are committed to earning more money and will likely continue working hard even if they aren’t offered any more than what’s listed on their resume.
How To Include Salary In Resume
When applying for a new job, discussing your salary expectations can be a delicate subject. Providing an adequate salary expectation that reflects your abilities may impress hiring managers and help you secure a job interview. Sharing the right salary can also help you to persuade a company that your skills and expertise are within its budget.
In this article, we’ll discuss salary expectations, provide tips for how to write your expected salary in your resume and offer examples.
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What is an expected salary?
Your expected salary is the annual compensation you request employers pay you. A candidate typically requests this compensation prior to accepting a job. When setting your salary expectations, you may consider your past salaries and previous work experience. Some factors influencing your salary expectations may include:
- The cost of living in your location
- Your education level
- Your skills
- The demand for your position
- The industry
Related: Salary Calculator
Why include your expected salary in your resume?
Including your expected salary in your resume can help employers decide whether you’re the right candidate for their budget. Employers also may be interested in learning how you value your skills and experiences. Consider adding your salary expectations to your resume upon request from a potential employer.
Mentioning your salary expectations can demonstrate your ability to follow directions to a potential employer. It can also provide them with an idea of the salary you’re interested in earning. If a company doesn’t request your salary expectations, you can usually leave it out of your resume.
Related: How To Write a Cover Letter With Salary Requirements
Is it legal for companies to ask you for your salary expectations?
Employers can legally ask job candidates for their expected salary. Depending on your location, they may not be able to ask you about the salaries you earned in past jobs. To learn your location’s policies on employers asking individuals for their salary history, you can research your state’s laws or contact your state’s Department of Labor.
Related: Interview Question: “What Are Your Salary Expectations?”
Tips on how to write an expected salary in a resume
Here are some tips to help you write your expected salary in your resume:
1. Research the average salary for your position and skill level
You can conduct research to discover fair wages for your industry and position. During your research, you may look for what other people in your industry are earning. You might also search for salary information related to your area and level of expertise. Additionally, you can determine the value of your experience and expertise by using an online salary calculator.
Related: What Is a Good Salary for You?
2. State your salary is negotiable
Since jobs also include compensation packages and benefits, you can tell an employer your expected salary is negotiable based on these factors. You can also request information about opportunities for advancement, which may impact your salary expectations. Stating that your salary is negotiable can help employers understand that your salary requirements may be dependent on the benefits they offer.
Related: 6 Tips for Your Next Salary Negotiation
3. Emphasize your flexibility
Rather than providing a single figure, you can let an employer know your expected salary is flexible by offering a salary range, such as $35,000 to $45,000. Salaries within a range often differ by $5,000 to $10,000. Providing a large range can help increase your chances of requesting a salary within your potential employer’s budget. When creating your salary range, consider including your ideal salary in the middle.
Related: What Is a Salary Range and How Do Employers Use It?
4. Personalize your expectations for each job
Since your salary expectations may change based on the position you’re applying for, consider changing your salary expectations for each company. For example, if you’re applying to both large and small companies, you could request a higher salary from large companies that may have a larger budget. You can also consider the type of position you’re applying for and the location of the job when updating your salary expectations.
Related: How To Tailor a Resume To a Job
5. Keep it short
When communicating your salary expectations, it’s helpful to keep it brief. Your resume’s primary focus can be to share your experience, qualifications and interest in the position. Consider including your salary expectations in a section at the end of your resume. If your prospective employer has questions about your salary expectations, consider answering them at or after an interview.
Related: 8 Resume Do’s and Don’ts
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Example of an expected salary in a resume
Here is an example of a resume with an expected salary:
Brynn Flores
Brynn.flores@email.com
444 Bamboo Parkway
Houston, Texas 77005
Summary
An experienced copywriter with a background in writing clear copy. Easily adapts to different brand voices and styles by consistently paying attention to detail.
Work experience
Content writer | 2015-present
BTC Media | Houston, Texas
- Write blog posts with straightforward copy that’s free of errors
- Send out a weekly newsletter with updates about the company
- Research topics and find statistics to ensure accurate writing
- Interview subjects for articles to get quotes and become more knowledgeable on subjects
- Collaborate with the marketing team to provide copy that attracts readers and aligns with the company brand
Copywriter | 2012-2015
JD Consulting | Houston, Texas
- Prepared copy for the company’s website, social media accounts and newsletters
- Proofread copy to correct grammatical errors and factual errors
- Used SEO practices to maximize the company’s reach and increase brand exposure online
- Met daily word count targets to achieve the client’s marketing campaign goals
- Remained up to date with trends and best practices
Copywriter | 2010-2012
Lexington Press | Houston, Texas
- Wrote copy that aligned with the company’s voice
- Met with clients to understand their target audience and message
- Applied edits requested from the editorial team and remained in communication
- Assisted with developing and implementing brand strategies
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Writing
- Collaboration
- Researching
Education
Bachelor’s in communications | 2006-2010
University of Houston
Expected salary
- Between $42,000 and $47,000 annually
- Negotiable based on the company’s compensation package
