How to Write Expected Salary in Resume 2024

When it comes to crafting the perfect resume, many questions arise about what information to include and how to present it. 

One particular area of contention is whether or not to include your expected salary. 

The inclusion of expected salary in a resume is a controversial topic, and it’s essential to understand the reasons for and against doing so. 

If you are unsure about what to include in your resume or need a template, learn what resume format is best for you.

In this article, we will explore both sides of the argument, discussing the pros and cons of including your expected salary in a resume. 

Additionally, we will provide examples to help you navigate this tricky aspect of resume writing.

Do We Need to Put Expected Salary in Resume?

The question of whether to include your expected salary in your resume is a complex one. 

It’s influenced by a variety of factors, including your personal preferences, industry norms, and the specific hiring practices of the company you’re applying to. 

While transparency can be an asset in some scenarios, it’s essential to be mindful of the potential drawbacks, such as limiting your negotiation power and encountering premature screening. 

Conducting research, understanding industry standards, and adapting your approach to each job application can help you make an informed decision on whether to include your expected salary in your resume. 

Ultimately, the goal is to find a balance that aligns with your career objectives and the expectations of potential employers.

Some argue that it can be beneficial, while others advise against it. Let’s delve into both sides of the argument. 

Why Include Your Expected Salary in Your Resume?

Pros of Including Expected Salary:

• Transparency

One of the primary advantages of including your expected salary in your resume is transparency. Employers appreciate candidates who are upfront about their salary expectations.

It can save both you and the employer time by ensuring that your salary expectations align with the employer’s budget for the position.

• Efficiency

When you include your expected salary, you make it easier for employers to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the position.

This can streamline the hiring process and increase your chances of getting an interview.

• Negotiation Leverage

If your expected salary aligns with the employer’s budget, it can put you in a better position to negotiate your compensation package.

By providing this information upfront, you set the stage for more informed salary discussions.

• Preventing Mismatches

Including your expected salary can help avoid mismatches in the later stages of the hiring process.

It ensures that you and the employer are on the same page regarding compensation, reducing the risk of getting into advanced stages of interviews only to realize that there is a significant disparity in salary expectations.

• Demonstrating Confidence

Being upfront about your expected salary can demonstrate confidence in your qualifications and what you bring to the role.

It shows that you’ve done your research and are assertive in your career goals, which can be seen as a positive trait by potential employers.

• Managing Expectations

By including your expected salary, you manage the expectations of both yourself and the employer.

You can avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety during the negotiation phase, as both parties have a clear understanding of what is on the table. This transparency can contribute to a more harmonious working relationship.

• Time-Saver for Both Parties

Including your expected salary can save time for both you and the employer. It can help you filter out job opportunities that do not meet your financial requirements.

Also it enable employers to focus on candidates whose expectations align with the budget they have set for the role.

• Improving Offer Quality

When you provide your expected salary, employers are more likely to tailor their offers to meet your financial needs.

This can lead to more competitive compensation packages that align with your expectations, improving your overall job satisfaction.

Why Not to Include Your Expected Salary in Your Resume?

Cons of Including Expected Salary:

• Premature Disclosure

One of the main drawbacks of including your expected salary in your resume is that it might be seen as premature disclosure.

Some employers prefer to assess your qualifications before discussing compensation. Sharing your salary expectation too early can potentially disqualify you from consideration.

• Salary Range Ambiguity

Providing a specific salary expectation can limit your negotiation flexibility. If the employer’s budget for the role is higher than your expectation, you may miss out on a more competitive compensation package.

• Applicant Screening

Employers may use your expected salary to screen applicants. If your salary expectation is above their budget, you may be overlooked, even if you are the best fit for the job.

• Limited Negotiation Room

When you provide a specific expected salary in your resume, it can limit your negotiation room.

If you set a figure that is lower than what the employer was willing to offer, you might receive a lower salary than you could have negotiated for.

Conversely, if your expectation needs to be lowered, you could price yourself out of consideration.

• Potential for Bias

Some employers may have preconceived notions or biases based on your salary expectations. If your expected salary is higher than what they were planning to offer, they might assume you’re overqualified or too expensive, even if you’re the right fit for the job.

However, if your expected salary is significantly lower, they might question your qualifications or experience.

• Missed Opportunities

When you state your expected salary upfront, you might be overlooked for positions with better compensation packages.

This is particularly true when employers are willing to offer more than you initially requested. By not including your expected salary, you keep the door open for such opportunities.

• Focus on Money Over Fit

Including your expected salary in your resume can give the impression that your primary concern is the compensation rather than the role itself.

This might deter employers who are looking for candidates who are genuinely enthusiastic about the job and the company.

• Confidentiality

Disclosing your expected salary can sometimes lead to privacy concerns, especially if you’re currently employed. Your current or potential employer may only need to know your financial expectations later in the hiring process.

By including this information in your resume, you risk exposing your salary preferences to your current employer or others in your professional network, potentially leading to uncomfortable situations or even jeopardizing your current job.

How to Include Expected Salary

Here are a few ways on how you can include your expected salary in your resume:

• Cover Letter
• Objective Statement
• Skills Summary

See the difference between a cover letter vs resume and which is more beneficial for including your expected salary.

Expected Salary Examples in Resume

These examples illustrate how you can express your expected salary in your resume while emphasizing your qualifications and alignment with industry standards. 

Remember to adapt your approach based on the specific job application and your comfort level by discussing salary expectations upfront.

Here are some examples illustrating how you can approach the topic of expected salary in your resume:

Example 1:

Cover Letter:

Example 2:

Objective Statement:

Example 3:

Skills Summary:

Example 4:

Skills Summary:

Example 5:

Objective Statement:

Example 6:

Skills Summary:

Example 7:

Cover Letter:

Example 8:

Objective Statement:

Takeaways

In conclusion, the decision to include your expected salary in your resume is a matter of personal preference and the specific circumstances of the job application. 

While transparency can be advantageous in some cases, it’s essential to be aware of the potential downsides, such as limiting your negotiation room and facing premature screening. 

It’s advisable to research industry standards and the specific company’s practices before deciding whether to include your expected salary in your resume. 

Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance that aligns with your career goals and the expectations of prospective employers.

Now that you know whether you should include your expected salary, find out if you need resume photos in our ultimate guide.