How To Word A Salary History Job Application

There are several factors to consider to word a salary history on job application. Most employers will require you to complete a job application and include your salary history. Many job seekers can be concerned because listing a previous salary may lead to a lower offer from a potential employer, but it's important to fill out the application honestly and accurately as possible.

1. Review the job application before you begin completing it to find where the salary history is listed. Some job applications require your salary history be listed with your previous employers and others may require your salary history be listed in a separate section.
2. Calculate your salary based on how the application requires it to be listed. If your salary was an hourly rate, you may be required to calculate your hourly salary to a yearly salary total. This can be done two ways: review your most recent W-2 form to or multiply your hourly rate times the number of hours you worked per week and multiply the total of the two by 52 weeks to give you a yearly salary. 
3. Be honest. Most employers will call your previous employers to verify employment. Although some states don't allow potential employers to ask previous employers your salary, your salary history can be obtained through other sources, such as a background check. 
4. List your salary history as requested on the application. List your salary history numerically in dollars and cents, followed by "per year" or "per hour" if the application allows you to list an hourly wage. Try to use exact numbers without rounding your salary to the nearest dollar amount.