Is It Ever Appropriate to List Salary Requirements in the Cover Letter?

by Courtney
(New York)

I am interested in assistance with my cover letter. I am a Social Worker and I received my Masters Degree in Social Work from Fordham University in 2006, followed by my New York State Social Work License in 2007.

I live on Long Island (about 60 minutes from New York City) and I will soon be relocating to New York City to find more employment opportunities. Due to the fact my living expenses and rent will increase in the city, I am looking to make a higher salary than I am currently making.

In the social work field, the salary (even with a License and a Masters Degree) is rather low. I am wondering if it is appropriate to list my salary requirements in my cover letter even if it is not asked for.

My reason for this is that I don't want to apply for jobs in the city and travel an hour to get to the interview only to find out that the agency is offering a measly $30,000.

How can I work around this situation?

ANSWER: Yes, I think in this case, it could be appropriate to talk about salary requirements in the cover letter, though it should be emphasized that this is definitely an exception to the rule.

It makes sense that you don't want to waste either your time or the interviewer's time by traveling to an interview for a job you would never consider taking.

As long as you are completely open about your motivation and tactful about the money, I think you can get away with it.

Comment back here afterward, if you will, and let us know how it goes!