We know we should never reveal what what our old salary was - it can be negotiation suicide if you do - but how can we avoid giving it away if asked?
My first rule of thumb is to never lie. It is not very good to talk about the salary, especially during an early interview.
Consider the following if you are pressured for your salary history when you aren't comfortable with it:
1) The compensation you earned in the past is for similar work but the total compensation package is not related to the work and company your going to. Your past salary should not factor into your new job.
2) If pressed to disclose the previous salary, as is mentioned by other respondents, mention with the total value of your compensation package. Also, re-iterate that it is not the same company, and so your previous salary is not terribly pertinent. There are so many factors including work life balance, benefits, holidays, paid overtime, etc,etc, that factor in.
3) You have to know where you stand in terms of the market. Know the going salary range for the job you are in and the skill level and experience you have for your region. You should know what level you can ask for and expect to get by doing your research.
4) Even if you were earning a low salary before, possibly even below the industry standards for that job, you should expect to be paid within that range when you go to your next job. You may have one of many reasons for taking an lower salary at your previous job. It does NOT explain your worth to the new employer, bottom line!
5) If you do talk about your salary history make sure to mention that you expect to be paid the current fair market rate for the job listing, and explain what you know about salaries in your field at the time. Many employers will respect you for standing up for what you deserve. Just remember negotiating is a professional situation and remember to be firm in your stance but respectful with the employer.
Never lie your interview. The employer has many ways to find out what you really earned in your past, either through asking your for some form of record, or they can confirm it with your previous employer. Just remember, you bring a lot of value, and that is the most important thing you offer to the employer. - 15478
My first rule of thumb is to never lie. It is not very good to talk about the salary, especially during an early interview.
Consider the following if you are pressured for your salary history when you aren't comfortable with it:
1) The compensation you earned in the past is for similar work but the total compensation package is not related to the work and company your going to. Your past salary should not factor into your new job.
2) If pressed to disclose the previous salary, as is mentioned by other respondents, mention with the total value of your compensation package. Also, re-iterate that it is not the same company, and so your previous salary is not terribly pertinent. There are so many factors including work life balance, benefits, holidays, paid overtime, etc,etc, that factor in.
3) You have to know where you stand in terms of the market. Know the going salary range for the job you are in and the skill level and experience you have for your region. You should know what level you can ask for and expect to get by doing your research.
4) Even if you were earning a low salary before, possibly even below the industry standards for that job, you should expect to be paid within that range when you go to your next job. You may have one of many reasons for taking an lower salary at your previous job. It does NOT explain your worth to the new employer, bottom line!
5) If you do talk about your salary history make sure to mention that you expect to be paid the current fair market rate for the job listing, and explain what you know about salaries in your field at the time. Many employers will respect you for standing up for what you deserve. Just remember negotiating is a professional situation and remember to be firm in your stance but respectful with the employer.
Never lie your interview. The employer has many ways to find out what you really earned in your past, either through asking your for some form of record, or they can confirm it with your previous employer. Just remember, you bring a lot of value, and that is the most important thing you offer to the employer. - 15478
About the Author:
Trevor Davide Grant is a project manager in the IT field and has extensive experience in salary negotiation. Trevor has worked for large telecom, power utililties, software consulting, and a prominent web 2.0 site. He has learned how to negotiate a salary in the most powerfulway. Learn great tactics on the topic of salary negotiating at www.HowToNegotiateASalary.com.
