Best CV Writing Tips: How To Indicate Salary Expectations

“When an application asks for my expected salary, can I leave it out and would this affect my chances of landing a job? And most importantly, where should I quote my salary expectations?” asks Ms. Valentine Mukholwe in an email.

Many latest job available in Kenya today require candidates to write their anticipated salary in their CV. As an applicant it is important to note what you expect to be paid but if the advertisement does not ask for it, do not bother mentioning it.

Lack of inclusion when asked will make the employer view you as a person who cannot follow instructions.

Guidelines to Follow When Indicating Expected Salary

Never lie about your previous earnings. You putting it in your CV is probably just a way for the employer to shortlist which candidates they can afford to take on and which ones they can’t.  At the interview stage, proof will be required in the form of payslips. You can now see how inflating your salary could be of a disservice to yourself.

When you’re asked to indicate your expected pay in your CV, put it in the form of a range, just to be safe. However, make sure that you are willing to accept the lower end before putting it in your CV.

Do not include benefits and bonuses that you earned at your previous place of work into the salary equation. The salary requirement range should be just your basic salary.

How to indicate salary expectations in a CV

There are two methods to place it:

• The first method is to state that your salary requirements are negotiable based on the position and the benefits.
• The second way is to include a range based on any salary research you have done.

“This is usually placed right before listing your referees. The reasons for not placing it earlier in the CV is that it allows the employer to first view your skills, knowledge and experience instead of judging you by your salary,” confirms Ms. Rebecca Karimi, a Professional CV Writer at Corporate Staffing Services.

Example of how to put it:

My current salary is Kshs. 20, 000 per month and I expect a salary in the range of Kshs. 25,000 to Kshs. 35,000 monthly.

OR

My salary expectations is in the Kshs. 25000 to Kshs. 35000+ range. This is negotiable based upon job responsibilities, other benefits and advancement opportunities.

How to indicate the salary expectations on the cover letter

There are cases where the job advertisement asks you to include your expected pay in the job application without  specifying in cover letter or CV.

Just choose one or the other, never both. If you choose the cover letter, follow this format.

• A cover letter is your sales pitch. When it comes to stating your salary expectations, state it after the third paragraph just before you thank the employer for taking the time to consider your application.

Example of how to state it:

“As per your request, basing on my understanding of the responsibilities listed in the job advertisement plus the value I bring to your organization, my salary expectations fall in the range of Kshs. 25,000 to Ksh 35, 000 per month.”

In conclusion,

Salary expectations must be based on your current or last salary to make sure that it is all very practical. For example, if you earn Ksh. 20, 000 do not state that you expect a Ksh. 60, 000 salary. While this might be your dream salary a 300% increase is over the line. Quote a reasonable range.