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Ok, so I thought of something else. I have that phone interview coming up, and I need another tip, at my current position (which is only temporary and ends next month) I am making considerably less than the normal range for my job. If I am asked "What is your current salary?" How do I answer honestly, and when they hear that it's so low, will I not be considered for the job? It's such a low number, that I don't want it to seem that I expect to continue making that amount?
Providing your current salary to a future employer removes one of your best bargaining chips. If you think that the next job will pay more than the current job, why tell them your current salary?
What you say is: "The policy at my current company prohibits me from discussing my compensation."
This then forces the hiring manager to "guess" your salary. If they want you, they probably will go on the higher end of their range instead of the lower end. If they know your current salary, it is more likely that the manager will say "Well, he/she is still getting a 20% salary increase even if I offer them the low salary in my range.
Providing your current salary to a future employer removes one of your best bargaining chips. If you think that the next job will pay more than the current job, why tell them your current salary?
What you say is: "The policy at my current company prohibits me from discussing my compensation."
This then forces the hiring manager to "guess" your salary. If they want you, they probably will go on the higher end of their range instead of the lower end. If they know your current salary, it is more likely that the manager will say "Well, he/she is still getting a 20% salary increase even if I offer them the low salary in my range.
This sounds like a pretty good idea - even if it is a lie (it may not be documented policy).
Interesting thread. I would be inclined to answer politely with a smile, 'well, I can't tell you what I am currently making, but I can tell you what I'm looking for.' After all, this is really what the prospective employer is trying to find out, right? The target salary of the candidate, and what they can offer him.
Interesting thread. I would be inclined to answer politely with a smile, 'well, I can't tell you what I am currently making, but I can tell you what I'm looking for.' After all, this is really what the prospective employer is trying to find out, right? The target salary of the candidate, and what they can offer him.
If you are choosing not to disclose your current salary, then say so but don't say you "can't" because that is not accurate. You don't wish to. I would not buy the "I'm not permitted to discuss my salary" because that rule typically applies to discussing your current salary with fellow employees. I would much rather hear "I would rather not discuss my current salary because it is not in line with industry norms" than "I can't tell you."
I would tell them that your current position is temporary and while the salary is much lower than normal for this type of work, you took it because you wanted to keep your skills fresh while seeking a permanent position that pays more in line with the norm. Whether you wish to disclose the actual figure is up to you but if it truly is well below the norm, I would include that information: "I am currently making xx, which is much lower than the normal range for this type of work but I wanted to keep my skills fresh while looking for something permanent...." Something like that.
^^ I actually meant 'I prefer not to' however I sometimes use can't and won't interchangeably. Example: Q: how many times did you have nookie last week. A: I can't tell you THAT! OK, bad example, I CAN tell you it wasn't enough.
I do insist that no matter how anybody attempts to justify getting paid way less than a job usually demands, the risk is high that the other person concludes you're desperate or not up to the calibre.
Location: Stuck on the East Coast, hoping to head West
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dspguy
Providing your current salary to a future employer removes one of your best bargaining chips. If you think that the next job will pay more than the current job, why tell them your current salary?
What you say is: "The policy at my current company prohibits me from discussing my compensation."
This then forces the hiring manager to "guess" your salary. If they want you, they probably will go on the higher end of their range instead of the lower end. If they know your current salary, it is more likely that the manager will say "Well, he/she is still getting a 20% salary increase even if I offer them the low salary in my range.
Ooohh, that is a great line. The one and only time I ever answered this question first, it totally bit me in the behind. Don't do it.
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