Glenda Said:

When writing a cover letter, how do you put in salary expectations?

We Answered:

You must resolutely ignore the question of salary history/salary expectations in the cover letter, leave it blank in the forms, question the need for past pay stubs, and avoid the question at all costs in conversations until you have received an offer. There is no legitimate reason for the employer to need to know your past salary. Their only purpose is to have the negotiating advantage. Your prospective employer has a pretty good idea what the job is worth, and they're looking for someone who fits, which is something neither of you knows before you've even interviewed.

If they need to know if they can afford you, certainly they will find out when you respond to their offer.

Do not be concerned that they will think you haven't read the instructions. Just be sure that your letter and all attachments are otherwise error-free and impeccable.

See the links for some excellent suggestions on how to deflect salary questions until the appropriate time.