Jobs Simply

Looking for a job, but don't want to make less than i do currently. Are salary requirements bad?

I am currently employed, but searching for a new job. I don't want to get called for jobs that pay less than my current job, end up going through all the interviews and such wasting my time off just to find out that they want to offer me less money. Would it be inappropriate for me to put salary requirements on my resume? How do i approach this situation. I would ask when someone calls, but i have done that in the past and asked what the compensation was, i was either told it would be negotiated, or i felt that i offended them by asking site unseen. Advice for me?

Public Comments

1. Put your salary requirement way higher than you think you can get. The employer will see that you are eager to grow in the job and that you think you are worth more than any entry level wage for any job. Aim High.
2. Not minimum wage unless you live over here in CA?
3. I wouldn't put salary requirements on your resume, your resume is what gets you the interview so if you want a shot at the interview leave it off and then there will either be a spot on the application that will say "desired salary" or you can mention your salary requirements at the interview. Good luck!
4. I would be open and honest when they phone you for an interview. Something like this: I am really interested in this job, but I have a minimum salary requirement that I must have in order to leave my current job to work with you. If you offer me the job and it falls below this, I will not be able to take the job. I don't want to waste your time. Can you tell me if $XX,XXX as a minimum fits with the position you want to interview me for?
5. If your primary job requirement is what it pays, you may want to do your job search through a professional headhunter agency. They can screen the salaries for you before setting you up for an interview. Of course, you might end up getting all kinds of crappy job offers that pay well, but require you to work nights a hundred miles away in a barn. Money is nice to have, but hardly the foundation for a rewarding and satisfying work life. -Stuart
6. Some applications have a place for it and then you should definitely fill that in. It does take care and tact if they don't ask and you need to mention it. You should probably think of something to say along the lines of feeling the need to improve on your current job and steer things that way. You could perhaps include your current salary in the experience section of your resume to give a hint, but an outright requirement line is a waste of space on your resume - it may or may not seem off to readers, but many will simply ignore it anyways, so it won't accomplish much.
7. I think your best bet is to include a cover letter with your salary requirements. I wouldn't put in on your resume. Basically, state in the letter what you are asking for, say $75,000 year for example. I would state in the letter that you are currently working, and the reason you are looking for something different. Also brag about yourself as to what you could bring to their company, then let your resume speak for itself. Good luck!
8. The first one to mention a number loses. Do not put salary requirements on a resume. Never, never, never. You have to get them to want you so badly that they will offer you more than you are getting now. Market yourself or get a headhunter or career search firm to help you with your marketing. Make yourself look like someone who makes about a third more than you are actually making at present. Highlight your achievements and make it clear in dollars & cents just what you are worth. "I increased sales by a million dollars a year..." or "I developed a new procedure that was so effective it saved us 20% on our manufacturing costs..." Once you focus on how you can benefit the prospective employer, you'll find a way to prove you are worth more and make them want to pay you more. As long as your sole concern is what you want, you are worthless to the prospective employer, hence the lowball offers.