6 Tips For How To Write Expected Salary in Your CV

‘Send your application indicating your salary expectations in your CV!’

This is a common phrase in most job adverts and it throws off many candidates especially if they don’t know where and how to indicate it in the CV.

Indicating salary expectation helps the employers decide if you are within their budget and if you are not, they proceed with other candidates.

If asked to indicate this, it is important to follow instructions because employers want to learn about how you value your experiences and skills.

A professionally written CV has salary expectations indicated at the bottom, just before the referees. This allows the employers to see your skills, qualifications, and experience first.

Putting salary at the top shows that you are concerned about what you will benefit from and not the value you will bring to the table.

So, how can you write your salary expectation?

Here are 6 ways:

1. Research The Average Salary For Your Position And Skill Level

Conduct research to find out the wages for your position in your industry. You may consult experts or other people in the position you are applying for to find out their earnings.

Additionally, you can use an online salary calculator to determine the value of your experience and expertise.

2. State Your Salary Is Negotiable

Indicating that you are flexible to negotiation can help the employer to understand that your salary requirements are dependent on the benefits they offer.

Some jobs include compensation packages and benefits therefore you should consider these factors to allow room for discussions. Other jobs offer opportunities for advancement and this may impact your salary expectations.

3. Give A Range

Instead of providing a single figure, let the employer know that you are flexible by giving a reasonable range.

When giving a range, consider including your ideal salary in between the range and be ready to accept the range that is lower if you have indicated.

Set a range that is realistic such that if your previous salary was Ksh 25,000, your range cannot go between 100k-150k.

4. Keep It Short

It is important to be brief when writing about salary expectations. The primary aim of a professional CV is to sell your skills and qualifications.

The content of the information should convince a potential employer that you are the right candidate and not show that you’re your main focus in salary.

5. Personalize Your Expectations For Each Job

Salary expectations may differ based on the position and the company hence you should consider salary for each position you are applying for.

If you are applying for a position in well-established large companies, your salary would be higher than if you are applying for a job in small and start-up companies.

Consider the type of the job, location of the job, and the experience required when updating your salary expectations.

6. Don’t Inflate Your Salary

Stick to the truth on every information you are giving out in your CV. Most employers conduct a background check and even ask candidates to provide payslips.

Giving false information is a sure ticket to your disqualification because employers are interested in trustworthy people.

Summary

When indicating salary expectations, consider your past salaries and previous work experience. The demand of the position, cost of living, your skills, and the industry are the factors that may affect salary expectations. It is important to research to find out the range to avoid going too high or too low.

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