Is writing past salary in resume good? Experts say no. Ideally salary has no place within the resume, past salary or expected salary. If salary is quoted within the resume it becomes one of the parameters to decide the applicant's potential for the job. An applicant should be called forward for the interview only because he fits into the requirements well. Hence it is recommended to avoid including salary in resume. In case it is added, here are instances to help you understand the employer's perspective of salary section in the resume.
Employer's Perception on writing Salary Expectations
If Higher Salary is Quoted
An applicant may quote his earlier salary amount within the resume. This amount may exceed the value the employer has decided for the position. In that case, the high salary expectation of the applicant may discourage the recruiter against calling the applicant for the interview round. There are two ways of perceiving the high salary amount.
- The employer may feel the applicant is overqualified or over experienced for this position and hence not affordable for the organization to meet his salary expectations.
- The employer may feel the candidate considers remuneration as the biggest deciding factor in job selection. It puts negative image of the applicant on the employer.
Hence, quoting salary in resume goes against the applicant if quoted higher than expected.
If Lesser Salary is Quoted
In general scenario, a recruiter is willing to offer the applicant upto 30% higher salary than his previous one received by the applicant. Some others decide upon a particular salary range to offer for the candidate, irrespective of his previous salary. If the salary included in resume, is less than the salary the recruiter has agreed upon, then it is the applicant's loss.
- If the salary expected by the applicant is lesser than the employers decided salary, the applicants would be given the position without any salary negotiations as it benefits the organization to recruit an able applicant for the post at lesser salary
- Once the previous salary is quoted, the applicant would not be able to negotiate beyond a certain level as even a slight 30% increment is good enough for the applicant. The applicant may not even realize the employer's readiness to offer better salary.
Hence, quoting salary without an idea about the employer's considerations for remuneration will not go in applicant's favor.
How to Quote the Salary
- It is better not to mention your salary within your resume. Only if the employer wishes to know your previous salary, one can include it within the resume.
- Always mention the salary in particular range and not a single amount. It leaves some scope for deliberation for both the employer and the job seeker.
- Always add words like 'flexible' or 'negotiable' within your salary section, it displays your willingness to negotiate the salary as per the position, duties and organizational policies.
- Avoid writing 'I' or 'my' anywhere within the salary expectation statement.
Example of Quoting Salary in Resume
- Salary Expectations:
On basis of the strong work experience and competent knowledge in field of software development, the salary range would be $40000 to $55000 annually, flexible depending upon the designation, responsibilities and the organizational policies.
- Salary Expectation:
Negotiable as per the wok profile and policies of the organization
Follow the given some tips and guidelines to conclude is writing past salary in resume good. I hope they help you make the right decision.
