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) The approach I would take would be to ask to table the question until later in the interview or for another day. It is important to me that we have first come to a common understanding on the roles and responsibilities of the job, and also, the type of experience I bring to the job, and what I will be contributing to the new company. I would prefer to be paid in line with the current job market and within the companies standards for this role.
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 very important to be aware before interviewing for the job, what the range is for that position. It is important to determine where I believe I fit within the market percentiles for that job. Most people do not meet the top end of the salary range, and there needs to be room to grow into it. I don't recommend asking for the highest salary in the range unless you know you are a total super star. Your super star status will be confirmed by reference checks, so be reasonable, but also, don't undersell yourself.
4) Regardless of your past salary that you earned in that job role, you should expect to be paid fairly for the current market conditions. You should explain to the new employer that regardless of your past salary, whether it was at or below the market range, you would like to be paid at the salary level that is fair. Your reasons for having a lower than average salary in the past are not pertinent to the new job, and your life situation has changed. Therefore your goal is to have a fair salary negotiation that both sides will be pleased with.
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.
Whatever you to, be completely truthful during interviews. The employer has many ways of getting information and they will find out your true salary history if they are so determined. They will also learn about your past performance, and they may even ask you to produce a pay stub to prove your past salary. Remember you're a highly skilled worker, and you bring a lot of value to the position. You just need the skills to communicate that value clearly and effectively to the new employer. - 2364
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) The approach I would take would be to ask to table the question until later in the interview or for another day. It is important to me that we have first come to a common understanding on the roles and responsibilities of the job, and also, the type of experience I bring to the job, and what I will be contributing to the new company. I would prefer to be paid in line with the current job market and within the companies standards for this role.
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 very important to be aware before interviewing for the job, what the range is for that position. It is important to determine where I believe I fit within the market percentiles for that job. Most people do not meet the top end of the salary range, and there needs to be room to grow into it. I don't recommend asking for the highest salary in the range unless you know you are a total super star. Your super star status will be confirmed by reference checks, so be reasonable, but also, don't undersell yourself.
4) Regardless of your past salary that you earned in that job role, you should expect to be paid fairly for the current market conditions. You should explain to the new employer that regardless of your past salary, whether it was at or below the market range, you would like to be paid at the salary level that is fair. Your reasons for having a lower than average salary in the past are not pertinent to the new job, and your life situation has changed. Therefore your goal is to have a fair salary negotiation that both sides will be pleased with.
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.
Whatever you to, be completely truthful during interviews. The employer has many ways of getting information and they will find out your true salary history if they are so determined. They will also learn about your past performance, and they may even ask you to produce a pay stub to prove your past salary. Remember you're a highly skilled worker, and you bring a lot of value to the position. You just need the skills to communicate that value clearly and effectively to the new employer. - 2364
About the Author:
Trevor Davide Grant is a IT project managerin the software development 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.
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