Should I write a cover letter with salary requirements? Unless asked, you shouldn't except where you have a good reason to. Some recruiters may ask for you salary expectations if contacting you, and normally, this is with the intent of establishing which jobs the can consider you for. However, excluding this, you should just write the cover letter as per the job specification.

If you feel that there is a legitimate reason to write a cover letter with salary requirements, then you should consider the cover letter guidelines.

Be Subtle

Introduce this piece of information with a bit of finesse. An effective way of broaching the topic of salary expectation is to use the "range method". You'll have to do some research so as to give you a realistic range to work within. You can write something like, “Here is my salary expectation as required, which I believe will falls into the established salary range for the position”. You should also indicate that you are willing to negotiate. Stating a salary range that isn’t customary in that industry may show that done you due diligence. Talking of which…

Do your Research

If you do intend to write a cover letter with salary requirements, at least carry out some research into local salaries for jobs in your industry. For example, you could contact similar companies in the area and inquire about salaries for similar positions. Alternatively, you could visit job web portal sites and search for the base salary range for the job position and your location.

Many job postings may ask you to include your salary history or your salary requirements when applying. But again, if the advertised posting doesn't mention it, don't volunteer any unnecessary information. If at all possible, you want the prospective employer to bring up the issue of pay first.

Get it Right!

Obviously, do not ask for a figure that is higher than the industry standard when you write a cover letter with salary requirements. That said, asking for too small an amount can have the affect of making you appear like an unseasoned professional, and may even show that you lack good negotiating skills. By and large, advertised positions will have fixed salary bands, so asking one to specify pay is simply an exercise to discover whether suitable applicants fall within the range. Patently, the actual salary depends on how much an employer is willing to invest in you, your history and how you can contribute to the company. In any case, the final amount still rests within a set range, except in unique circumstances where you can give good reason for why you should be paid more than the industry standard.

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