Office of Career Services
Cover Letter Writing Guide: Salary Requirements
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LETTER OF SALARY OR SALARY HISTORY
A letter of salary is a statement regarding the salary or the salary range that you would accept for the job. Unless specified by the hiring manager, you should default to using a range rather than stating a specific amount. This leaves the door open for negotiation and shows that you are flexible. A salary history is a list of your starting and ending salaries for all of the jobs listed on your resume. You salary history does not have to be to the exact dollar, but it should be as close as possible.
WHEN SHOULD YOU INCLUDE SALARY INFORMAITON IN YOUR COVER LETTER
You should only write a letter of salary if you have been requested to do so by the hiring manager. Between the time you receive the offer and you accept the job, you have the most negotiating power. As a result, if you are going to negotiate for a higher salary, you should do so right after you are offered the job. That being said, you need to determine the appropriate salary range for the job you seek. This information should be included in your last paragraph. For example: Per your request, an acceptable salary range for this job, based on the description and my research, is $xx,xxx-$xx,xxx, not including benefits or supplements. My requirement is flexible and negotiable, depending on such factors as additional benefits, salary reviews, and advancement opportunities.
HOW TO DETERMINE AN APPROPRIATE SALARY
It is important that you have done your research when you determine an appropriate salary range. To do so you will want to be familiar with the organization’s typical salary range for that particular job in addition to their usual benefits package. Second you will want to do some market research and determine what similar organizations offer for that particular job. To learn more about what that job pays at other organizations, you look them up on the organizations website or use a salary wizard which allows you to calculate a range.
***Additional salary wizards as well as additional information regarding how to negotiate your salary can be found with in the Salary Negotiationdocument on the TCCS Website in the Resource section under Tips, Guides, and Samples in the TCCS Career Development Resources section.
LETTER OF SALARY GUIDELINES
- It should be concise and no more than one page.
- Use 12 point, Times New Roman Font (font can be 11 point except for corporate jobs)
- Use .8-1 point. (for corporate jobs, font must be 1 inch)
- Use the same identifying information format for resume and cover letter
- Address your letter of salary to the recruiter/hiring manager. If you do not know the name of the appropriate individual, call the organization and request the proper contact person’s name and title.
- Double check spelling of contact names and titles.
- Check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Spelling, typographical, and grammatical errors are unacceptable.
- Sign your letters in blue or black ink.
- How to send it
- As an Email, attach your letter of salary to your e-mail and indicate the attachment in the body of your e-mail
- Standard mail, the letter of salary should be printed on resume paper (match paper used for resume).
- Fax on standard paper
| Use the same heading that is on your resume or CV 2 spaces Date 4 Spaces Name 2 Spaces Dear Mr./Ms________: 1 Space 1st Paragraph: State why you are writing by identifying the position of interest. Tell the employer how you heard of the opening or organization. Be specific: tell them that the job was listed on TCCS LINK. If you were referred by someone, include that person’s first and last name. Let the employer know the degree you will receive or received, the graduate school you are attending or attended, the type of license/certification you will be eligible for or have, and that your resume is attached. 1 Space 2nd Paragraph: Include a sentence that introduces your overall areas of expertise which illustrates that you are qualified for this position (this sentence can also be included as the closing sentence of your first paragraph). Indicate why you are particularly suited for this company and this position by reviewing the job description. Highlight your relevant achievements and qualifications. Elaborate on key points from your resume without repeating your resume word-for-word. Be specific by providing examples from your current and/or past work experience, volunteer experience, academic, or training. Avoid “I feel" and "I believe” phrases. 1 Space 3rd Paragraph: Include two or three of your skills that relate to the position and how the population will benefit from these skills. State your salary range. If you salary and benefits package is negotiable indicate that information this paragraph. Be careful with your tone, you do not want to appear as if you are stating a demand, you want to keep the tone conversational. Let the employer know that you are available for questions about your background and experience. Thank the employer for his/her consideration. Include your phone number and email address (same contact information listed on your resume) 2 Spaces Sincerely, 3 Spaces Your Name Typed |