Salary History Samples

You may download and modify a free, salary history sample linked below for personal use or just keep it handy as an example to write one of your own from scratch. Each is in a business-style format with a letterhead that you may personalize. The files are in rich-text format (.rtf), which is compatible with popular word processors, such as Microsoft® Word. See also Salary Requirement Letters.

About Personalizing a Sample Salary History

Most, if not all, career advisors would recommend that you never provide your salary history, unless an employer or recruiter specifically requests it.

Otherwise, you might unintentionally limit your earnings or price yourself right out of contention for a job opportunity, before you even get to an interview to negotiate salary.

When personalizing a salary history sample, ballpark ranges will do, unless an employer or recruiter specifically requests exact starting and ending salaries for each of your jobs. We've provided salary history samples of both types.

It's a good idea to resist the urge to "beef up" your earnings while personalizing a salary history sample, as potential employers might double-check your salaries during employment background checks. If you want a raise while changing jobs, it's a better idea to negotiate it during interviews instead.

If you think that your salary history is nobody's business but your own, we've also provided sample salary history letters that help you to tactfully sidestep requests for same.

But be aware that doing so could jeopardize a job opportunity. We're not trying to discourage you from doing so. But, by providing you with the samples, we're not trying to encourage you to do so either. We're just trying to help either way. The decision is strictly up to you.

Salary History Samples

Salary History Sample States starting and ending salaries for each job, rounded to the nearest whole number ("exact" enough).
Salary History Sample States just a ballpark annual range for each job, such as "High $40K to low $50K". The capital letter K is often used in the U.S. to mean thousand.		Sample Salary History Letter Attempts to tactfully sidestep a salary history request, by asking for an interview to first learn about the job (and then negotiate salary).
Sample Salary History Letter Attempts to tactfully sidestep a salary history request, by offering a negotiable salary requirement.		Salary History Template Shows how to write a salary history and provides the format. Just one example and not set in concrete.