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Posted by: LindaW On: 6/13/2013 4:23 AM
great info
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Posted by: Arlene O On: 6/12/2013 2:32 PM
Thanks for this tip! My salary history is low, mainly because of my geographic location. I'll get that into the conversation.
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Posted by: JosephR On: 6/11/2013 2:56 PM
The info is useful
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Posted by: Roxanne H On: 6/10/2013 12:14 AM
This was very helpful. I have never been asked my previous salary history but have always provided it on my resume which I think is good but in some way bad. Feedback on this comment would be helpful if any.
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Posted by: Carolyn H On: 6/8/2013 6:39 PM
I thought the article was helpful and agree that the truth is the best way.
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Posted by: Ethel W On: 5/30/2013 11:13 AM
The information is useful and I will use some of the points going forward in my job search and interview opportunities. One thing to keep in mind is that being evasive regarding a direct question during an interview may be a turn off or raise a red flag.
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Posted by: Crystal T On: 5/28/2013 11:40 AM
Very good information, and very informative.
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Posted by: Patricia M On: 5/24/2013 2:14 PM
Thank you, this is a very delicate subject.I appreciate your tip.
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Posted by: Bhowani Sandy S On: 5/20/2013 10:43 PM
This information is very helpful.
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Posted by: Carol M On: 5/17/2013 7:17 PM
The article offered insight but lacked some crucial details. What if you price yourself out of an opportunity without even realizing until it is too late, how do you rebound from that blunder, if you can at all. Otherwise, the article caught my attention especially in a tight market place. Take care..
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Posted by: Cathleen H On: 5/13/2013 7:39 PM
This information is very helpful.
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Posted by: THOMASINA T On: 5/11/2013 11:59 AM
I find the statement to be true, don't lie about your salary.
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Posted by: Jason T On: 4/20/2013 8:56 AM
I would say that it makes sense to say what is expected from the opportunity in front of you and that the past was a different chapter that you are now ready to start a new chapter or even book.
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Posted by: Shelli s
This was both relevant and solid information. Thank you
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Posted by: Francis M
thanks for your service. i want to learn more about how to handle salary history etc.
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Posted by: SANCHI S
GOOD ADVICE AND WORDING
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Posted by: Alan G
The answer to this age-old question varies with each scenario. Never lie about your salary - they'll confirm it with your former employer. Aside from that, lying is never the right option. If you lose them with the figure you quote, justify the salary by the responsibilities of the former position. Then, demonstrate how the future responsibilities warrant the same - if not more. In any event, you have to separate your 'wants' and 'must haves' and be prepared to walk away if you can't agree on a salary that actually works for you. Never sell yourself short either, as the right salary will come with the right position, which may be just around the corner.
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Posted by: Jerry F
Just give up the info that they are asking for.
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Posted by: Rosa Lee C
Here's what I do. When asked how much I would like to make, or if asked what was my previous salary, I answer honestly and professionally.First, what I would LOVE to make is just that. What I want!If asked what I made previously, I ask what are YOU offering the candidate for this position? It works, and if you cannot get away from answering the question about previous employer, then answer" not enough, which is the reason that I am leaving. No advancement, etc.I always get the salary I want, and if it is lower or higher, it really does not matter, since I am getting what I want.Once you are in with the salary that you want, guess what?Prove yourself, and you will get the salary you deserve.I had that happen to me once or twice. I went in low, came out high!Just fyi.....always research the company,and also research what that particular field is paying. Once you know that, compare YOUR experience with what they are looking for, and then decide.Any questions? Blog me here and I will be happy to help you with anything I can. I will even show you how to research for what you want:)I just landed a job that someone told me NOT to ask for $10.00 an hour! Are you serious? Hell, I asked for what I wanted, and told the interview it may not be what they are paying, but that is the salary that will keep me happy for now. Yep......got the job and salary I wanted!!!!You have to have what they are looking for, for this to work. Please keep that in mind as you go forward.
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Posted by: Barbara H
I think this was a very good article because salary has been a big ostacle for me lately.
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Posted by: Marketta W
This was very informative, because I have just relocated to a southern state where the cost of living is reflected in the salary base employees are being offered. I believe I may have been looked over because of my asking amount for salary. I didn't want to bid to low taking the risk they may have offered what I wanted or a happy medium.
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Posted by: Terrence Williams
What happened to "set" wages, whereas the employer might state what you would earn should you be employed by him/her. Then the would-be employee should state his/her opinion then, a negotiation so to speak. Certificate(s) and/or degree(s) should earn some extra points (cents/dollars) of course. Personally, I never understood why would-be employers are concerned about what a would-be employee wages were previously at another gig anyway. What is that about?
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Posted by: Jacqueline Patton
All said with good intentions, but I am finding that no matter what salary info is given, the company applying to has already set the amount to pay. What is entailed with the job determines how much one should be payed along with skills and experience. It's a no win unless you are just lucky. Often applications are on line and cannot be submitted unless you list your salary request. Don't even get to negotiate.
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Posted by: Hans Hickel
Good valuable information.Thanks
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Posted by: ann t
This is the type of education that most people who are seeking jobs need to know well don thanks.
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Posted by: Charity L
I didn't feel this article answered the question of handling salary negotiations at all. It merely gave various scenarios of what might be asked.
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Posted by: Judith B
Your information was informative. I after 26 years ofemployment feel the salary is negotiable according to yourbackground of experience. Considering the existing economy and also your true values of yourself not onlyfor the employer and customers, but to grow the businessfor profitability, but to care for the service of customerretention and their needs.
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Posted by: Dan R
Thanks to you all for some great advice on the question of pay. I have been unemployed for almost two months after 22 plus years on the job. I will keep everyone's comments into mind in my job search. Good luck to you all in your job search.
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Posted by: Audrey B
I have worked with the public all of my life,thirty seven years as a floor covering consultant. i want to get back working ,thought I could retire,not ready as yet. oh, yes the sales job with R.V."s would be very interesting ,I own one,thank you,
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Posted by: NIIT A
I like it when folks come together and share ideas.Great blog, continue the good work!
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Posted by: Carol B
Good article addressing a common issue. The best take-away for me is your phrase: "what you are expecting to make". This changes the black and white into a negotiation without closing the door. Thanks!
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Posted by: sammy h
I am always interested in reading any advice from your site and although they are always very helpful, I have often found that my most stressful question has never been answered and that is: "What do you say if asked why you got fired from your last job?" I know I was fired for what I know was a false accusation and from all that took place before my dismissal, it was a set-up designed to remove me from my promotion by accusing me of 'sexual harassment' which did not happen. So what and how do I handle this question and situation in an interview not knowing what information had transpired between the two HRs? Thank you very much..........
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Posted by: Jeanne L
People who have had to take pay cuts to find employment in this bad economy have been hurt by this practice.
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Posted by: Jerry B
Very insightful and helpful. Things you should think of, but you might not. Honesty is the best policy, and people can sense a person squirming when they are stretching the truth.
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Posted by: Tim S
Good advice But what if you had a 20% allowance for irregular hours ON TOP of your basic salary!
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Posted by: walter m
In response to such a critical question, the intervieweeshould always try and be as truthful as possible but atthe same time should let the interviewer know that youwould not have wasted their time or yours if you were notinterested in the position. Make sure that the intervieweris aware that you are familiar with the salary range for the given job and that if your requirements are high then it can be negotiated to be the right fit for both parties.
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Posted by: Alec
I don't know exactly the purpose of this interview question.However, I've been asked about this on at least (2) previous interviews. My gut feeling is "offer me the job" then we can discuss salary... But, I don't say this out loud. Whatever you do say here, be sincere, honest. Have a "minimum" salary in mind that you'll work for, and don't go below that.
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Posted by: Kent G
Thanx for the helpful suggestions. You're right, this has been an awkward discussion point in interviews so far and probably was part of the reason I missed out on one opportunity when salary expectations were brought up. Hard to believe, but I wasn't asking foe enough...
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Posted by: Joyce H
What I have a hard time with is what pay will you work at? Then try & figure out what they will be willing to pay and not get a call since I was asking to much.
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Posted by: Rita F
I was caught off guard with the question "what must you have" and gave too low a figure. I was hired, but even with the promised salary reviews (some of which did not ever happen); I've been stuck in a low paying position for 3 years. I thought they would share their budget for the position, but they did not.
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Posted by: Shane B
Your article is titled: "What to do when asked about previous salary history," but it doesn't answer the question. Probably because the true answer would be: there's nothing you can do. Short article. I am almost to the point where I will respond to that question by saying: "what difference does it make? How does my salary history help you decide if I am a good fit for your employment opening? If you are concerned I made too much and would not be happy with what your position is offering, then offer it and find out. If I made a lower salary than what you offer, so what?"Of course, they would probably be escorting me to the elevator by: "...does it make."
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Posted by: Bob H
As an executive recruiter, I recommend always reporting what your current salary is. The fact is that money is a qualifier. Your salary reflects your value in the marketplace.If you are making more than they are willing to pay, you are likely overqualified and its not a good fit.On the other hand, if the company wants to hire you, they will try to keep you whole financially or meet your expectations. If not, they are looking for a bargain which is a lose-lose scenario. When a better job comes along for a higher salary, you should take it. It beats not working but not by much because you will feel taken advantage of.I never recommend that anyone take a cut in pay. Don't devalue yourself.Conversely, it is naive to think that you make 45K and they will pay you 60K. This market is not providing 20% increases because there is no way to match the competition for every position. Most people don't move for a higher salary. They usually have other motivations but do expect an increase of some sort.
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Posted by: Sharon W
Just concluded an interview and salary questions is always part of the process, and I was honest as I always will be because it can backfireIt went well and thankfully I was offered comparable to what I make and gratefully accepted the position.
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Posted by: Joan M
I like to remind candidates that salary information is protected by privacy laws. Individuals have to sign an authorization for release of salary information so companies can verify salary for loan applications. Employers have no right to ask you your salary history, and you have no obligation to provide it. I think the suggestions about asking the employer what the salary range is for a position is appropriate. You can also tell them what your salary requirement or salary expectations are. And don't be bullied into providing the information if they tell you that your salary history will be verified on a background check. You have to authorize that verification, and you don't have to if you don't want to. Basing salary offers on past salary history perpetuates the inequities in compensation, and no company worth its salt should be using this archaic practice. If you don't know what's a reasonable expectation, make some inquiries on the internet and you'll find salary comparators that can help you. I won't ask an applicant their salary history, although many will provide it, and that's a choice you can make. Just remember that it's your choice and an employer cannot demand the information.
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Posted by: Sean M
Why not just answer with, "A salary can be negotiated" or "it is negotiable;" which will throw it back on them, and they will have to answer with some kind of baseline. If the baseline is good enough, take it, but if it isn't, move on.
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Posted by: Judy R
What worked for me was honesty. $$ is what I made at my last job and I would like to get at least that again. But I also understand that in this economy that is probably not realistic.It took 16 months (and two temp jobs) but I got a great job with comparable pay and better benefits than my last job. I was starting to wonder if a great job now is about as rare as a unicorn. But I was very glad to discover that it is not true.
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Posted by: Mark M
Hopefully as a candidate you could have vetted out what the company's salary/salary range structure before the interview. A salary range leaves you more room since it can include salary + bonus as your compensation. It's a good idea to be truthful.
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Posted by: David B
I was on an in-person interview when the salary question came up. I asked if there was a range associated with the opportunity and the interviewer said there was and mentioned the range. Without telling them anything about my salary history, I said that the range they mentioned was what I was expecting and it was acceptable to me. I then added that there should be no need, then, to discuss salary because it wasn't a deal breaker. They seemed to like that response and salary was not discussed for the rest of the interview.
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Posted by: James d
Good advice I always find it is better to be honest and tell the truth about what you made at your last job and then you can say to them that you felt you should have been making more and then let them know what you would like to make working with them but you are always open to negotiation.
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Posted by: Laura N
If you ever give them a number before they mentioned a number to you, you can expect at that point to be rejected, whether your number is high or low. Recommendation: just don't do it! Get a number from them first. If they refuse to give you one, then just say you're open to a reasonable, fair rate. Some say "your best offer".
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Posted by: Matthew O
I've said one of two things:1. My previous salary was (commensurate/@ market and $X), and I'd like to make ($X+15-20% more) for the next project (give a range); or2. My career best to date was (Career best to date) and I'd like to stay in that range. (Optional: my last project was (below market), but my career best was (career best $) and I'd like to stay in that range.Best to tell the truth, because it has to be believable. Most folks don't balk at some nice steps up in salary from where you were, assuming you're going for a "stretch job" compared to where you were. Which presumably you're deemed close enough to matching if they're interviewing you in the first place.
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Posted by: Denise G
When they ask you what do you expect in salary do you come back with the reply "what range do you have in mind for this position?"
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Posted by: Rose F
The other unfortunate point regarding the question of salary is that electronic/online applications almost always ask for your prior salary information. I tried to skip that question and the online application wouldn't let me move on to the next page until I did answer it. Also the online applications are now giving you the option to select a range for your prior salary (example: $50,000 to $60,000 or $70,000 to $80,000, etc), and again, unless you answer that question, you cannot move on to the next question or the next page or even to submit the online application at all. So, unfortunately, you can be "weeded" our before you are even considered for a phone interview based on what you indicate as your prior salary.
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Posted by: Paul P
My plan, if asked that question, is to ask them to provide me the salary history of all the previous people who held the job before me. Fair is fair right?
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Posted by: William G.
I appreciate the posts from everyone. I was recently asked for past salary details during a phone interview for a job that gave a salary range in it's description. The description mentioned $60k in one city and $70k - $80k in another city. My honest reply was that my pass base salary was 45k. I was called a day later and was told that the updated salary being offered was $40k - $50k. I should have stated that I was comfortable with the range $60k - $80k, and if pressed mentioned the company's 401k, tuition reimbursement and relocation expenses that I received from my last job. At this point I will take the job if offered. If not offered I will be starting another job later in August paying $22k. This salary is so insulting to me but at least my foot will be in the door. A word to the wise; do not rely on unemployment, it can end abruptly at any time. I hope that things get better for us all!
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Posted by: A.A.
when asked for my previous salary I usually say " what is in the budget for the role" . Very often the HR/ recruiter gives me the range. then if I'm ok with it (and I'm usully very much ok since I was badly underpaid) I say "the range is working fine for me" and usually this is where it ends. I do remember being pressed for the exact number a couple of times. When I was revealing the number they were in shock (it was very low). So, I learned to not reveal my previous salary, I always try to direct the convo into "my expected salaty range". Seems to be working fine. Have been looking for a job for 13 months now. (laid off in june last year)
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Posted by: Kris
I totally agree with Jim's comment on June 12! Cheap is an understatement. I have gotten quite a few calls for interviews. They all tell me that I am just what they are looking for and my qualifications are impressive. I go in for interview after interview and eventually the conversation turns to salary. 20 years of experience in my field, they are soooo impressed with my qualifications, and I'm just what they need.....for $9.55 to $10.00 an hour!!! Less than 1/2 of what I was making. AND they expect you to work 3rd shift, weekends and holidays for that rate!!! It takes all of my reserve to not slap them in the face and tell them they are just insulting me. I believe they know better but are hoping to land some desperate (but extremely qualified) person for a dime. By the time they take off taxes and medical, I would take home $6.00 an hour. These companies are truly taking advantage of a bad situation. I would really like to answer those salary offers with, "Oh. And how much is your CEO taking home by paying slave wages?"
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Posted by: Hendrik Goss
In any case it is never good to sell oneself below cost. I have the situation a few weeks ago that I was invited for an interview for I job I was absolutely qualified for and then popped up the salary question and I aimed low because I didn't want to spoil my chances of getting the job and I didn't get it anyway because I was not able to sell myself. I learned from the mistake and will not do that again
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Posted by: ELLIOT MILLER
Looking for employment for five months now, the longest in my thirty-five years working, I have found this market to be the most difficult. The few employers I have either met or spoken with have been quite demanding regarding salary requirements. The general view has been to get the biggest bang for the buck - and they will be successful given the climate that seems to persist and will probably be this way for the future. I have also read that the bigger companies now have an unwritten policy to avoid hiring anyone on unemployment. Since there is little market competition going on, they have realized that the next level of competition is to recruit from competitive companies only. Until all the political parties address the issue of Corporate America - and they won't, since it is their self-serving meal ticket - we have a long road ahead. I sympathize more for all the younger people with huge educational loans that will be a burden on their ability to achieve financial independence.
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Posted by: joe
This is brutal, as an engineer with a long history in management, one of the deal breakers these days is the salary. I also try to get the job definition & responsibilities up front, as it is usually not the "exact" same skill set. So, you can ask the range & determine if the overall responsibilities, travel, expectations are within your comfort zone. Tough times indeed.
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Posted by: William Ketel
For one interview, I told them what I was paid at the previous job, and the interviewer gasped. I then told them that If I seemed like a good choice, that they should make me an offer, and that I promised to not get mad and leave. I also said that I may or not accept it. In another interview, when they asked what salary I required, I told them "Better than a UAW assembly line worker". They said that they had never had that response before, but it must have been OK, since I did get the job at a salary that I was happy with. Currently, if I am pressed, I tell them that my previous salary was competitive.
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Posted by: Annamarie
What I've found after looking for a job for almost a year is when your truthful, you never get a call back. I have lowered my salary requirements. I'm glad the article said not to lie because that is what I was going to do. I'm afraid to tell the truth at this point because I've had bad experiences, like not even getting the job interview. I've had HR people ask me in the first sentence how much I made, it's really a hard subject matter to get around...thanks for the advice...
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Posted by: Rhodes
When asked about previous salary or your expectations, I would suggest that you humbly answer that question with a question; “what is the salary range for this position?” This puts the onus on the interviewer to provide the range for the position and you can then answer with ‘my salary is within the range’ or ‘that I am ok with that range’ and will not have divulged your previous history. If the interviewer insists on a number, I would suggest that you provide an average of you last 3 years salaries or hour rate. When making the reply make sure that you use the term “average” if you give the average salary or hourly rate as an answer, i.e. my average salary for the past 3 years or assignment is XYZ/ABC.
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Posted by: Ronald
When I answered one advertisement for a job for which I was more than adequately qualified, I received a call back asking what my salary was. I asked the HR if salary was their main concern, why they did not state the salary in their ad and save themselves time. She had no answer that made sense.
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Posted by: Davood
Very good interview tip.Be honest to yourself and the employer.Tell them how much you expect your salary must be against you will put on the table regarding your skills and ability.Put a short term condition saying that I expect to get at least xx but after the elapse of the agreed short period I expect to get xx+yy.
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Posted by: kathy
-- It is touchy, especially if you have been taking courses or updating skills in any way! Being prepared is the way to handle the situation, with two simple sentences. "The total compensation I received in my last job included 4 training days, a national conference, a 401k contribution and salary. I would estimate my total compensation at xx. Since then I have independently improved my skills and created this portfolio for you to see - which aside from my experience adds addition value to what I can do for xyz company.
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Posted by: Antonette
Two weeks after I was laid off last year, I started looking for a new job and on my telephone interview, I was asked what was my ending salary and I was totally honest., he responded, that's not a problem since it's within our budget. Then,on my second interview, he asked me, If I offer you this job at a lower salary, would you accept, just answer yes or no., Well, I asked how much lower and he didn't say and he did not want to hear any of my justification so, I said NO! Thank you so much for your advice. I do appreciate them.
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Posted by: Bob Dethlefs
I was told by an employment specialist that you should never give your past salary or requirements. Simply say in an interview that you would like to know what you are worth to their company and have them give you a salary - you can negotiate from there. If pressed, follow the advice above.I was also told to put "will discuss in interview" or something similar on applications under salary requirements.I did that on one application and the HR person from that company called about it. When I hesitated on providing the information they said they would get my salary from my current HR group. I later found out that that is illegal.
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Posted by: Erica Levey
I am wondering if and why prospective employers have the right to know personal information of this nature. Do they really? Since they have their salary range pre-budgeted, this question seems to me to constitute their means of quickly gaging whether you fit into their range. I don't let that intimidate me. The advice is good to state what one's current expectation is and to suggest that one's past is not relevant to the current opportunity!!
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Posted by: Lisa
On telephone interviews I have been asked that question before and it worked to my advantage. They offered me more so that I would take the job!However, I also have been asked what would be the expected salary that I'd want to be paid and also what would the least acceptable amount be? I have turned down interviews after finding out that the job was going to pay less than what I was comfortable with. It seems that they want you to do so much but for so little. Because of my experience I know what I am worth and what my needs are, and I don't think I should have to lower my standards. On the other hand, it's hard to find a job these days! I'm afraid that if I take a job that would pay less, that I won't feel good about myself and that I have just "settled" for anything that came along. The longer I am out of work the more frustrated I become. I don't want to miss an opportunity because I was honest. I guess the best thing to do is wait to be offered the job and then talk about wage. Then assess the amount of responsibility of the job with the wage they are willing to pay.
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Posted by: Jim
All the CHEAP bastards that I have met in the last 14 months, of my unemployment, want a real "bargain" employee! These morons know that times are rough so they are cutting salaries in half. There are some companies in Los Angeles that, if I had taken the job, it would have cost me money to show up. My commute, car maintenance, and drive time would have eaten up any "income" the job provided.
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Posted by: Arnold
By giving up any information as to salary requirements, income goals, or history you have now taken the focus away from your qualifications and introduced money as a determining factor. It is best always to explain the pitfalls of discussing salary from both ends (as hitting their number is a real crap shoot) and tell them that you want to be considered because of what you bring to the table and your ability to solve their needs employment. Whether they offer you the position or not, it shouldn’t be tainted by money. By eliminating the salary factor you now have the opportunity to WOW them. If you do impress them well, there are stern possibilities you may have earned an offer in the higher end of their pay range. The two pitfalls avoided when not alluding to salary requirements are: if you say too low in these challenging economic times they may take the opportunity to save on payroll; if too high, you may have priced yourself out of the opportunity. In sales the cardinal rule is never discuss money until you’ve had the opportunity to justify value. Interviews are sales opportunities. How well you portray your value should be what determines the size of the compensation package. Your needs and wants should never be discussed, including compensation, until and if you are offered the job. If not, then your needs and wants are mute points.
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Posted by: Patricia Miceli
Very good suggestions for handling this sensitive salary topic. I recently had this question asked in part of a telephone interview and I was honest. He said honestly that they were looking to pay in a lower range and I said that's fine because based on the job description it appears I wouldn't be doing exactly the same job. This allowed the recruiter to continue the interview process and set me up with an interview. You will prove your worth on the job and hopefully be recognized for it.
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