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Salary · 5 min read · Published 2025-04-18

Expected Salary on a CV: When to Include It

When expected salary helps, when to leave it out, and how to write it professionally.

Expected salary is optional. Some employers and agencies ask for it early, while others prefer to discuss salary after an interview.

Include expected salary when the job post asks for it, when applying through an agency that requires it, or when the role has a clear salary range and you want to show alignment.

Leave it out when you are flexible, unsure about market rates, or applying to a role where your experience may qualify you for different levels.

If you include it, write it professionally: Expected salary: AED 2,500 to AED 3,000, negotiable based on role and benefits.

Avoid writing unrealistic numbers without research. Very high expectations can stop a conversation early, while very low expectations may undervalue your work.

Consider accommodation, transportation, food allowance, commission, overtime, and visa benefits when thinking about total compensation.

BuildMyCVNow uses an optional expected salary toggle so you can show or hide this field depending on the application.

If the employer asks during an interview, answer calmly and ask about the full package before deciding.