text: what to do when an employer asks for cover letter & resume including salary expectations? i don't want to discuss the salary at this moment. i would prefer to wait for the right time during the interview process. thanks for your help. this is tough, but you are obviously dealing with an hr staff that doesn't have enough faith in their company.  salary ranges are one of those areas where you only see what you want.  for example.  if hr says the job pays from $35-$40k a year.  they want to hire you at $35k.  but if you say, my range is $35-$40k, you really want $40k.  it is just natural human perception.  even though your attitude is correct, salary negotiations should not be discussed until the point the company wants to hire you, you are stuck in this one.  if you don't put the range on, hr will can your resume because you didn't follow a simple direction.  they have asked for this because they have found that what the company thinks the skills are worth, and what people that hold the skills think their worth, are two very different things.  you have no choice, but you can beat them at their own game.   just keep it very vague, something like:  requested salary range:  mid $40's   just don't be tempted to lowball your requirements to get the interview.  if you do, your offer will never be what you want, it will be what you stated.  good luck