When Should You Mention Your Salary Requirement?

Do it right, whether in the resume or during the interview

 
Image Credit: wisebread

On a regular basis, which means that unless you have been specifically asked to do so, do not mention your salary requirement on your resume at all.

There is good reason for you to stay away from the money talk when you are sharing your resume.

It Can Stall Future Discussion

Once you put down your salary requirement on the resume and share it with your potential recruiters, it is like closing off all options that do not fit the exact requirement that you have stated. For instance, you may have mentioned an amount which is somewhat higher than what you are getting right now, or you may have mentioned a salary that you expect from your first job, based on your education and skill set.

But once you do that, and a potential employer sees the figures, he/she may immediately jump to the conclusion that you are not open for a discussion. And in such a case, your resume may immediately get ignored for the role, even though you may have been the perfect candidate.

“Discuss about it during the interview itself.”

Shrikant Popat, who works as a Manager with an MNC, also voices the same. “It is best that you do not mention your salary requirement or expectation in the resume, but instead, discuss or talk about it at the time of the interview itself. This way, it will not look as if the salary is all that matters to you, and you will be able to do this on a face to face basis, which will make it easier for you and your potential employer to be on the same page.”

Most Companies Are Open For A Discussion

It is true that no company or employer can immediately agree on a number when it comes to the ideal salary, and this is how it generally is. The one thing that is definitely possible is to keep your expectations right and then be confident about it. Make sure you also have the skill set or experience to back up your expectation, so that it does not look like the number you are quoting is something that just cannot be done.

Once you meet your interviewer face to face, you will be in a better position to explain why you are looking for that amount of money, and the mutual discussion can be more rewarding for both.