Are you nervous about how to include salary requirements in a cover letter? This page tells you exactly how to do it. The first few steps lay the groundwork, and they are necessary. Don't skip them! Once you have laid the groundwork, then step four tells you exactly how to include salary requirements in a cover letter.

Experts warn not to use gimmicks in you cover letter. People have been sending in props, and writing their cover letters on unusual materials. Scripps News says to concentrate on creating an engaging document, and to proofread it well. http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/48558

• Write a new cover letter for each job.

• Lay the groundwork.

• Give specific examples of your accomplishments.http://askamanager.blogspot.com/search/label/cover%20letters

• Don't be vague.http://askamanager.blogspot.com/search/label/cover%20letters

• Don't say anything like "I'm the best person for this job."http://askamanager.blogspot.com/search/label/cover%20letters

• Hobbies give you experience and references, too.

• Ask your family members for examples of things you do that show why you would be good at this job.

• Show your prospective boss that you are eager to help.

Before you begin a cover letter, get the job description (or at least a vacancy description) for the particular job you are applying for. Do a little online research on the company and the job. Be sure you understand what the company does, and what the job duties are. Tailor your resume to the job description, making sure to include related experience and education. Write a new cover letter for each job you apply for. Tell them why you want this particular job. Show them why you would be great at this job. Once you have lain all this groundwork, tell them the range of salary that you are looking for. The 4 steps below go into more detail and give examples on how this is done. http://askamanager.blogspot.com/search/label/cover%20letters

Put the correct job title that you are applying for on your cover letter. Follow any instructions in the job description. If they say to keep your cover letter to one page, then keep it to one page. If they say to put your cover letter on green paper, then put it on green paper. Address the specific requirements in this particular job vacancy description. Tell how good you are at the skills they require. Tell how your education and experience meet their job requirements. Do not send the same cover letter out for even two different jobs. Do not merely restate what is in your resume. Show them that you want this job, not just a job. http://www.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2008/12/15/how-a-cover-letter-can-make-the-difference.html

After you have addressed the requirements from the job vacancy description, explain why you want this particular job. Show that you have a good understanding of what the job duties would be. In order to tastefully include salary requirements in a cover letter, you need to show a potential boss that you are eager to get started helping them out. If you have extensive work experience in a similar job, emphasize that. If you are fresh out of school, then tell about classes you liked or hobbies you enjoy that give you the skills they are looking for. If you especially want to work for this company, then tell them so in your cover letter, and tell them why. Don't be afraid to flatter them a little, but don't overdo it. If your career goals extend beyond this position, but you need the experience this position provides, then mention that, but be careful to say you will commit to a certain length of time before you move on, at least a year in most cases. http://www.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2008/12/15/how-a-cover-letter-can-make-the-difference.html

Give examples of things you have been successful at that are similar to the things you would be doing in this particular job. Mention references who can verify your success. Sell yourself. Don't be afraid to brag. If you would be especially good for this job because of something that is not on your resume, be sure to tell about it in your cover letter. Maybe the company makes toys for dogs and you have always had dogs for pets. Maybe the job involves organizing a department and your family always complain about how you have to have everything organized. If you don't include these things in your cover letter, then they won't know. If you know you have way more experience than is required or you have made way more money than they are paying, show that you are aware of this. Reassure them that you don't mind. If the reverse is true and you would get a huge raise if they offered you this job, then tell them what makes you worth it. Give specific, verifiable examples. Put step 4 here. At the end of your cover letter, ask for an interview, and tell them how to reach you.

Once you have laid all this groundwork, don't leave them in the dark; tell them the salary range that you are looking for. Here are some sample sentences. Feel free to change these a little and use them:

I would be happy to have this job at a starting salary of $30,000 per year with room for raises up to $50,000 per year.

Although I have made more in the past, this job appeals me to the point where I would do it for $30,000 to $50,000 per year.

This is a big step up for me, but I feel you would get your money's worth at $30,000 per year.