Salary HistoryTuesday, December 13, 2005I really hate it when HR asks a job candidate for their "salary history." It really is not relevant to the position the candidate is seeking with the company. I know HR managers who would challenge me on that, but that's okay. What if I interview for a job and I get asked this question? If I am making a lot less than I should (based on accurate comparable salaries) then I feel like I am trying to overshoot per se. I am being put in an untenable position. What if I am making more? I know that I am going to have accept a lower salary because I am taking in more than the market can bear currently. If I tell them I am making considerably more than the position is likely to pay I am not likely to get consideration. So what do you do? Turn the question around and make it a "statement." Be firm and make sure your request is realistic for your region, your skill set and the current market. Tell them your salary requirement is "x" annually. That's it - do not expound on it. State the fact. If they insist on asking what your current or previous earnings are, tell them. You have already told them what you expect, so the question becomes more irrelevant. Don't be afraid to ask for what you are worth. You can bet the hiring manager didn't undersell himself. posted at 12/13/2005 08:14:00 PM |
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2 Comments:
Wouldn't an interviewer just be expecting the perspective employee to just be raising the number anyway? The whole thing is silly, you're right.
Damn, I wish I had read this earlier. I just accepted a job offer wish overall I am happy with, but during the interview she asked how much I had made in my old job. I told her and she made a face. I thought I had asked for too much, so I backpeddled a little. When I got the official job offer, the salary was a little more than I made before. I wonder what would have happened if I had played it like you recommended... lesson learned.
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