Once a person asked me if it was okay to talk about their salary history with an employer during an interview. They were concerned about discussing their history because it was a little low and they thought it would have a negative effect on their salary negotiation. They were wondering how they could avoid the topic with the employer until the right time. My rule is to never be dishonest with an employer, however it is a good idea to avoid this topic until you have nearly closed the deal with getting the job.
In the past, I have been in the same situation, and have been pressured for a response to the tough questions on salary. My approach has been as follows.
1) My first response would be to try to defer the topic until later. Because we haven't really gotten through the responsibilities of the job, nor the contributions I can make in the new position. The new job is somewhat different from the past job because the company's market, product or industry are somewhat different than the past companies. Therefore the past salary history is not all that applicable. I would prefer to be paid in accordance with the market and the company's hiring practices.
2) I have been pressed for an answer several times, and my response is to first try to push it until later in the meeting. I explain that while it is important to me, it is not the most important factor. I would rather ensure that both the employer and I are happy with one another, and that the job lines up with my experience and that my contributions and the company's salary line up within both a fair market value and within the company guidelines. There are many factors beyond just cash that need to be discussed before we can address the salary bottom line.
3) It is important for me to be aware before going into any interview what the standard salary range is for that position. I also want determine where my overall percentile would fall within that range. The vast majority of people are not at the top end of the salary range, so unless I know I have been a superstar, which I usually strive towards, then I wouldn't recommend expecting the absolute maximum salary, unless I know I can explain why I am worth it. This is almost always confirmed by reference checks, and also, when starting the new job, it will be obvious if I am not in the 98th percentile. The goal is to be generous with your self evaluation but honest if you are not at the total superstar ranking.
4) Even if you had been making a lower than average salary before, possibly even well below the average for that job in that market, you should expect to be paid within that fair market range when you go to your next career opportunity. You may have one of many reasons for accepting a job at a lower salary than at your previous job. It doesn't explain your value to the new company. The end analysis is that your value to the market is what the market is currently defining as the salary range for your talent, your level of performance and experience in the industry.
5) If you disclose your salary history information, remember to state your case about the relevance of the information. You may give your personal reasons for accepting the lower pay, but most important is to explain you want the outcome of the salary negotiation to be one where both parties are respected, and that they feel a sense of win-win in the outcome.
Honesty is imperative when doing interviews. Employers have many means to determine whether you've been honest with them in the hiring process. What is most important is to be clear about what you can contribute to the company first, and that you expect fairness in the hiring process. - 15478
In the past, I have been in the same situation, and have been pressured for a response to the tough questions on salary. My approach has been as follows.
1) My first response would be to try to defer the topic until later. Because we haven't really gotten through the responsibilities of the job, nor the contributions I can make in the new position. The new job is somewhat different from the past job because the company's market, product or industry are somewhat different than the past companies. Therefore the past salary history is not all that applicable. I would prefer to be paid in accordance with the market and the company's hiring practices.
2) I have been pressed for an answer several times, and my response is to first try to push it until later in the meeting. I explain that while it is important to me, it is not the most important factor. I would rather ensure that both the employer and I are happy with one another, and that the job lines up with my experience and that my contributions and the company's salary line up within both a fair market value and within the company guidelines. There are many factors beyond just cash that need to be discussed before we can address the salary bottom line.
3) It is important for me to be aware before going into any interview what the standard salary range is for that position. I also want determine where my overall percentile would fall within that range. The vast majority of people are not at the top end of the salary range, so unless I know I have been a superstar, which I usually strive towards, then I wouldn't recommend expecting the absolute maximum salary, unless I know I can explain why I am worth it. This is almost always confirmed by reference checks, and also, when starting the new job, it will be obvious if I am not in the 98th percentile. The goal is to be generous with your self evaluation but honest if you are not at the total superstar ranking.
4) Even if you had been making a lower than average salary before, possibly even well below the average for that job in that market, you should expect to be paid within that fair market range when you go to your next career opportunity. You may have one of many reasons for accepting a job at a lower salary than at your previous job. It doesn't explain your value to the new company. The end analysis is that your value to the market is what the market is currently defining as the salary range for your talent, your level of performance and experience in the industry.
5) If you disclose your salary history information, remember to state your case about the relevance of the information. You may give your personal reasons for accepting the lower pay, but most important is to explain you want the outcome of the salary negotiation to be one where both parties are respected, and that they feel a sense of win-win in the outcome.
Honesty is imperative when doing interviews. Employers have many means to determine whether you've been honest with them in the hiring process. What is most important is to be clear about what you can contribute to the company first, and that you expect fairness in the hiring process. - 15478
About the Author:
Trevor Davide Grant is a project manager in the information technology field and has considerable experience in salary negotiation. Trevor has worked for global telecom, power generation, software development consulting, and a prolific social networking website. He has learned how to negotiate a salary in the most effective way. Learn great tips on the topic of salary negotiation at www.HowToNegotiateASalary.com.
