How do I include salary expectations in a cover letter?
You can include your salary expectations professionally in a cover letter by outlining an appropriate salary range in your closing paragraph:
Thank you for considering my application. I feel that my experiences and skills make me an excellent fit for the position of Technical Writer. I have a salary expectation of £26,000–£29,000 but am open to negotiation if you wish to discuss this further. I look forward to the possibility of meeting with you for an in-person interview.
You should only include a salary expectation if one was required in the job description.
Here are some tips to consider if you’re adding your salary expectations to your cover letter:
- Always do your research to understand the typical salary for the role in the employer’s industry and local area
- Don’t undervalue yourself by putting in the lowest salary possible (you’ll also be devaluing the benefits you can bring to the company)
- Offer a salary range instead of a fixed salary point to show that you’re flexible and open to some negotiation