Is it okay to withhold previous salary information during the interview process?

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So here's the situation. I have a friend who is applying for a job as a Business Analyst. He has been working as a Business Analyst for another company for a year, but wants to move. However, his salary at the previous employer is much lower than average for a BA. Therefore, in order to prevent HR from having this information and using it to offer a dramatically lower salary during the negotiation process, I want to tell him not to divulge his current/previous salary if asked.



However, I don't know if it's appropriate to not share the information, or if it's even appropriate for the prospective employer to ask about it. I defer to your wisdom, workplace.SE.







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  • 3




    Read this article.
    – Elysian Fields♦
    Apr 11 '13 at 1:37






  • 4




    I highly recommend reading the article enderland referred to, even though it is very long. Don't give a number. In the past, my usual job hunt/interview/get-hired process, included giving my current salary, then they'd add 5/10/15% on top of that and everyone was happy. Until you find out what others are making then you become disgruntled and do it all over again. My last interview, I wouldn't give a number, I simply said something like "I want to be paid as a highly valuable member of your staff for the position I'm being hired for." I got a 40% raise, plus my usual extra weeks vacation.
    – Dunk
    Apr 11 '13 at 21:18

















up vote
30
down vote

favorite
10












So here's the situation. I have a friend who is applying for a job as a Business Analyst. He has been working as a Business Analyst for another company for a year, but wants to move. However, his salary at the previous employer is much lower than average for a BA. Therefore, in order to prevent HR from having this information and using it to offer a dramatically lower salary during the negotiation process, I want to tell him not to divulge his current/previous salary if asked.



However, I don't know if it's appropriate to not share the information, or if it's even appropriate for the prospective employer to ask about it. I defer to your wisdom, workplace.SE.







share|improve this question
















  • 3




    Read this article.
    – Elysian Fields♦
    Apr 11 '13 at 1:37






  • 4




    I highly recommend reading the article enderland referred to, even though it is very long. Don't give a number. In the past, my usual job hunt/interview/get-hired process, included giving my current salary, then they'd add 5/10/15% on top of that and everyone was happy. Until you find out what others are making then you become disgruntled and do it all over again. My last interview, I wouldn't give a number, I simply said something like "I want to be paid as a highly valuable member of your staff for the position I'm being hired for." I got a 40% raise, plus my usual extra weeks vacation.
    – Dunk
    Apr 11 '13 at 21:18













up vote
30
down vote

favorite
10









up vote
30
down vote

favorite
10






10





So here's the situation. I have a friend who is applying for a job as a Business Analyst. He has been working as a Business Analyst for another company for a year, but wants to move. However, his salary at the previous employer is much lower than average for a BA. Therefore, in order to prevent HR from having this information and using it to offer a dramatically lower salary during the negotiation process, I want to tell him not to divulge his current/previous salary if asked.



However, I don't know if it's appropriate to not share the information, or if it's even appropriate for the prospective employer to ask about it. I defer to your wisdom, workplace.SE.







share|improve this question












So here's the situation. I have a friend who is applying for a job as a Business Analyst. He has been working as a Business Analyst for another company for a year, but wants to move. However, his salary at the previous employer is much lower than average for a BA. Therefore, in order to prevent HR from having this information and using it to offer a dramatically lower salary during the negotiation process, I want to tell him not to divulge his current/previous salary if asked.



However, I don't know if it's appropriate to not share the information, or if it's even appropriate for the prospective employer to ask about it. I defer to your wisdom, workplace.SE.









share|improve this question











share|improve this question




share|improve this question










asked Apr 10 '13 at 0:02









asteri

1,26731829




1,26731829







  • 3




    Read this article.
    – Elysian Fields♦
    Apr 11 '13 at 1:37






  • 4




    I highly recommend reading the article enderland referred to, even though it is very long. Don't give a number. In the past, my usual job hunt/interview/get-hired process, included giving my current salary, then they'd add 5/10/15% on top of that and everyone was happy. Until you find out what others are making then you become disgruntled and do it all over again. My last interview, I wouldn't give a number, I simply said something like "I want to be paid as a highly valuable member of your staff for the position I'm being hired for." I got a 40% raise, plus my usual extra weeks vacation.
    – Dunk
    Apr 11 '13 at 21:18













  • 3




    Read this article.
    – Elysian Fields♦
    Apr 11 '13 at 1:37






  • 4




    I highly recommend reading the article enderland referred to, even though it is very long. Don't give a number. In the past, my usual job hunt/interview/get-hired process, included giving my current salary, then they'd add 5/10/15% on top of that and everyone was happy. Until you find out what others are making then you become disgruntled and do it all over again. My last interview, I wouldn't give a number, I simply said something like "I want to be paid as a highly valuable member of your staff for the position I'm being hired for." I got a 40% raise, plus my usual extra weeks vacation.
    – Dunk
    Apr 11 '13 at 21:18








3




3




Read this article.
– Elysian Fields♦
Apr 11 '13 at 1:37




Read this article.
– Elysian Fields♦
Apr 11 '13 at 1:37




4




4




I highly recommend reading the article enderland referred to, even though it is very long. Don't give a number. In the past, my usual job hunt/interview/get-hired process, included giving my current salary, then they'd add 5/10/15% on top of that and everyone was happy. Until you find out what others are making then you become disgruntled and do it all over again. My last interview, I wouldn't give a number, I simply said something like "I want to be paid as a highly valuable member of your staff for the position I'm being hired for." I got a 40% raise, plus my usual extra weeks vacation.
– Dunk
Apr 11 '13 at 21:18





I highly recommend reading the article enderland referred to, even though it is very long. Don't give a number. In the past, my usual job hunt/interview/get-hired process, included giving my current salary, then they'd add 5/10/15% on top of that and everyone was happy. Until you find out what others are making then you become disgruntled and do it all over again. My last interview, I wouldn't give a number, I simply said something like "I want to be paid as a highly valuable member of your staff for the position I'm being hired for." I got a 40% raise, plus my usual extra weeks vacation.
– Dunk
Apr 11 '13 at 21:18











5 Answers
5






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
17
down vote



accepted










As the candidate, you always get to choose what you do and do not say, and how important it is to provide (or not provide) an answer to a question. The candidate can try to sidestep the question and answer the similar question of, "what is your expectation of salary for this role?", and thus the candidate can discuss their research about salaries for business analysts in the area with this experience, and hope that HR accepts this response.



As HR, they always get to choose what questions they ask, and how important it is to have an answer to that question. If there is a piece of information that HR really wants but the candidate refuses to provide it, then HR is in the position of deciding whether they want to make an offer without this information, or if they simply want to move on to another candidate who is willing to share that information.



Personally, as a software engineer, I don't think that I've ever not been asked about salary when interviewing. The general interview process that I'm used to is a phone interview with a recruiter, a phone interview with the hiring manager or someone on the team, and then an in-person interview with the team. Of all of the in-person interviews that I have done, salary expectations are always discussed before the in-person interview. From the hiring manager's point of view, there is no point in interviewing a candidate whose salary expectations are above their budget. When I'm asked about salary, I talk about total compensation: base salary, bonuses, stock options or grants, and benefit package.



For entry-level positions such as those that require less than two years of experience, there are often many candidates who are just as qualified but who are more forthcoming with the information that HR wants. Your friend needs to decide whether their desire to get as high of a salary as possible is higher than their desire to get a salary that is higher than the too-low one that they currently make.






share|improve this answer
















  • 2




    It's worth noting that when I was looking to leave an under-paid position, I was contacted by one or two recruiters (from headhunters) who refused to deal with me if I didn't provide them my current salary in addition to my target one. But there's always more recruiters out there, and that wasn't in discussions with the actual company.
    – Bobson
    Sep 19 '14 at 20:16


















up vote
13
down vote













Yes, it's okay.



Will the interviewer be annoyed with you for withholding this information? Most likely.



I think the best solution (if possible) would be to share his previous salary information with the caveat that the main reason he is moving away from his other company was lack of compensation.



Failing to disclose salary information may very well disqualify him from several jobs he could otherwise get.






share|improve this answer



























    up vote
    3
    down vote














    in order to prevent HR from having this information and using it to offer a dramatically lower salary during the negotiation process, I want to tell him not to divulge his current/previous salary if asked.




    Yes, he should try to hide it. Usually, they tell not to ask for a higher salary, which would be 10-15% more then the current.



    If he would not to tell them, he can tell that his current job contract forbids him to tell salary to anyone.






    share|improve this answer



























      up vote
      2
      down vote













      It's ok to not divulge it, but as others have said, if asked directly, refusing to answer can count against you. Therefore, have an answer prepared about the value you will bring to their position, and why it is worth the money you are requesting. Be willing to say something about how what he was earning at a different job has little or no bearing to the value he brings to this job. Point out that he's looking to earn more because the going rate is such and so, and why he is worth that or more. Give a ROI that justifies what he is asking.






      share|improve this answer
















      • 2




        Why the downvotes? What you earn at one job should not affect what you are worth at the next. What you bring to the new job should determine your worth.
        – thursdaysgeek
        Apr 26 '13 at 21:34

















      up vote
      2
      down vote













      Responding honestly to that question will probably serve a candidate better than other ways of answering it. Avoiding the question will raise red flags. Do you really want your prospective employer (and not just HR, but your hiring manager/the interviewer) having an informal chat with your current or previous employer's HR staff, or supervisor? It likely won't be just about your salary, but on your secretive mannerisms... That is, if you've utterly aced the rest of your interview, such that your new employer even cares to follow up after that harbinger of future difficulties.

      I recommend forthright honesty, especially on something that can be back-checked so easily. And instead of airing dissatisfaction over your current/previous compensation, the time might be better spent inquiring about your potential new group's salary range; what others with your qualifications and experience are currently making.






      share|improve this answer




















      • That would sound like retaliation in a lot of courts a professional hr person would never do that
        – Pepone
        Nov 28 '14 at 20:12










      • The candidate would likely be unaware of that conversation happening.
        – Nevin Williams
        Nov 29 '14 at 3:08










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      5 Answers
      5






      active

      oldest

      votes








      5 Answers
      5






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes








      up vote
      17
      down vote



      accepted










      As the candidate, you always get to choose what you do and do not say, and how important it is to provide (or not provide) an answer to a question. The candidate can try to sidestep the question and answer the similar question of, "what is your expectation of salary for this role?", and thus the candidate can discuss their research about salaries for business analysts in the area with this experience, and hope that HR accepts this response.



      As HR, they always get to choose what questions they ask, and how important it is to have an answer to that question. If there is a piece of information that HR really wants but the candidate refuses to provide it, then HR is in the position of deciding whether they want to make an offer without this information, or if they simply want to move on to another candidate who is willing to share that information.



      Personally, as a software engineer, I don't think that I've ever not been asked about salary when interviewing. The general interview process that I'm used to is a phone interview with a recruiter, a phone interview with the hiring manager or someone on the team, and then an in-person interview with the team. Of all of the in-person interviews that I have done, salary expectations are always discussed before the in-person interview. From the hiring manager's point of view, there is no point in interviewing a candidate whose salary expectations are above their budget. When I'm asked about salary, I talk about total compensation: base salary, bonuses, stock options or grants, and benefit package.



      For entry-level positions such as those that require less than two years of experience, there are often many candidates who are just as qualified but who are more forthcoming with the information that HR wants. Your friend needs to decide whether their desire to get as high of a salary as possible is higher than their desire to get a salary that is higher than the too-low one that they currently make.






      share|improve this answer
















      • 2




        It's worth noting that when I was looking to leave an under-paid position, I was contacted by one or two recruiters (from headhunters) who refused to deal with me if I didn't provide them my current salary in addition to my target one. But there's always more recruiters out there, and that wasn't in discussions with the actual company.
        – Bobson
        Sep 19 '14 at 20:16















      up vote
      17
      down vote



      accepted










      As the candidate, you always get to choose what you do and do not say, and how important it is to provide (or not provide) an answer to a question. The candidate can try to sidestep the question and answer the similar question of, "what is your expectation of salary for this role?", and thus the candidate can discuss their research about salaries for business analysts in the area with this experience, and hope that HR accepts this response.



      As HR, they always get to choose what questions they ask, and how important it is to have an answer to that question. If there is a piece of information that HR really wants but the candidate refuses to provide it, then HR is in the position of deciding whether they want to make an offer without this information, or if they simply want to move on to another candidate who is willing to share that information.



      Personally, as a software engineer, I don't think that I've ever not been asked about salary when interviewing. The general interview process that I'm used to is a phone interview with a recruiter, a phone interview with the hiring manager or someone on the team, and then an in-person interview with the team. Of all of the in-person interviews that I have done, salary expectations are always discussed before the in-person interview. From the hiring manager's point of view, there is no point in interviewing a candidate whose salary expectations are above their budget. When I'm asked about salary, I talk about total compensation: base salary, bonuses, stock options or grants, and benefit package.



      For entry-level positions such as those that require less than two years of experience, there are often many candidates who are just as qualified but who are more forthcoming with the information that HR wants. Your friend needs to decide whether their desire to get as high of a salary as possible is higher than their desire to get a salary that is higher than the too-low one that they currently make.






      share|improve this answer
















      • 2




        It's worth noting that when I was looking to leave an under-paid position, I was contacted by one or two recruiters (from headhunters) who refused to deal with me if I didn't provide them my current salary in addition to my target one. But there's always more recruiters out there, and that wasn't in discussions with the actual company.
        – Bobson
        Sep 19 '14 at 20:16













      up vote
      17
      down vote



      accepted







      up vote
      17
      down vote



      accepted






      As the candidate, you always get to choose what you do and do not say, and how important it is to provide (or not provide) an answer to a question. The candidate can try to sidestep the question and answer the similar question of, "what is your expectation of salary for this role?", and thus the candidate can discuss their research about salaries for business analysts in the area with this experience, and hope that HR accepts this response.



      As HR, they always get to choose what questions they ask, and how important it is to have an answer to that question. If there is a piece of information that HR really wants but the candidate refuses to provide it, then HR is in the position of deciding whether they want to make an offer without this information, or if they simply want to move on to another candidate who is willing to share that information.



      Personally, as a software engineer, I don't think that I've ever not been asked about salary when interviewing. The general interview process that I'm used to is a phone interview with a recruiter, a phone interview with the hiring manager or someone on the team, and then an in-person interview with the team. Of all of the in-person interviews that I have done, salary expectations are always discussed before the in-person interview. From the hiring manager's point of view, there is no point in interviewing a candidate whose salary expectations are above their budget. When I'm asked about salary, I talk about total compensation: base salary, bonuses, stock options or grants, and benefit package.



      For entry-level positions such as those that require less than two years of experience, there are often many candidates who are just as qualified but who are more forthcoming with the information that HR wants. Your friend needs to decide whether their desire to get as high of a salary as possible is higher than their desire to get a salary that is higher than the too-low one that they currently make.






      share|improve this answer












      As the candidate, you always get to choose what you do and do not say, and how important it is to provide (or not provide) an answer to a question. The candidate can try to sidestep the question and answer the similar question of, "what is your expectation of salary for this role?", and thus the candidate can discuss their research about salaries for business analysts in the area with this experience, and hope that HR accepts this response.



      As HR, they always get to choose what questions they ask, and how important it is to have an answer to that question. If there is a piece of information that HR really wants but the candidate refuses to provide it, then HR is in the position of deciding whether they want to make an offer without this information, or if they simply want to move on to another candidate who is willing to share that information.



      Personally, as a software engineer, I don't think that I've ever not been asked about salary when interviewing. The general interview process that I'm used to is a phone interview with a recruiter, a phone interview with the hiring manager or someone on the team, and then an in-person interview with the team. Of all of the in-person interviews that I have done, salary expectations are always discussed before the in-person interview. From the hiring manager's point of view, there is no point in interviewing a candidate whose salary expectations are above their budget. When I'm asked about salary, I talk about total compensation: base salary, bonuses, stock options or grants, and benefit package.



      For entry-level positions such as those that require less than two years of experience, there are often many candidates who are just as qualified but who are more forthcoming with the information that HR wants. Your friend needs to decide whether their desire to get as high of a salary as possible is higher than their desire to get a salary that is higher than the too-low one that they currently make.







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Apr 10 '13 at 5:27









      nadyne

      4,7331523




      4,7331523







      • 2




        It's worth noting that when I was looking to leave an under-paid position, I was contacted by one or two recruiters (from headhunters) who refused to deal with me if I didn't provide them my current salary in addition to my target one. But there's always more recruiters out there, and that wasn't in discussions with the actual company.
        – Bobson
        Sep 19 '14 at 20:16













      • 2




        It's worth noting that when I was looking to leave an under-paid position, I was contacted by one or two recruiters (from headhunters) who refused to deal with me if I didn't provide them my current salary in addition to my target one. But there's always more recruiters out there, and that wasn't in discussions with the actual company.
        – Bobson
        Sep 19 '14 at 20:16








      2




      2




      It's worth noting that when I was looking to leave an under-paid position, I was contacted by one or two recruiters (from headhunters) who refused to deal with me if I didn't provide them my current salary in addition to my target one. But there's always more recruiters out there, and that wasn't in discussions with the actual company.
      – Bobson
      Sep 19 '14 at 20:16





      It's worth noting that when I was looking to leave an under-paid position, I was contacted by one or two recruiters (from headhunters) who refused to deal with me if I didn't provide them my current salary in addition to my target one. But there's always more recruiters out there, and that wasn't in discussions with the actual company.
      – Bobson
      Sep 19 '14 at 20:16













      up vote
      13
      down vote













      Yes, it's okay.



      Will the interviewer be annoyed with you for withholding this information? Most likely.



      I think the best solution (if possible) would be to share his previous salary information with the caveat that the main reason he is moving away from his other company was lack of compensation.



      Failing to disclose salary information may very well disqualify him from several jobs he could otherwise get.






      share|improve this answer
























        up vote
        13
        down vote













        Yes, it's okay.



        Will the interviewer be annoyed with you for withholding this information? Most likely.



        I think the best solution (if possible) would be to share his previous salary information with the caveat that the main reason he is moving away from his other company was lack of compensation.



        Failing to disclose salary information may very well disqualify him from several jobs he could otherwise get.






        share|improve this answer






















          up vote
          13
          down vote










          up vote
          13
          down vote









          Yes, it's okay.



          Will the interviewer be annoyed with you for withholding this information? Most likely.



          I think the best solution (if possible) would be to share his previous salary information with the caveat that the main reason he is moving away from his other company was lack of compensation.



          Failing to disclose salary information may very well disqualify him from several jobs he could otherwise get.






          share|improve this answer












          Yes, it's okay.



          Will the interviewer be annoyed with you for withholding this information? Most likely.



          I think the best solution (if possible) would be to share his previous salary information with the caveat that the main reason he is moving away from his other company was lack of compensation.



          Failing to disclose salary information may very well disqualify him from several jobs he could otherwise get.







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered Apr 10 '13 at 0:43









          Codeman

          1,9121423




          1,9121423




















              up vote
              3
              down vote














              in order to prevent HR from having this information and using it to offer a dramatically lower salary during the negotiation process, I want to tell him not to divulge his current/previous salary if asked.




              Yes, he should try to hide it. Usually, they tell not to ask for a higher salary, which would be 10-15% more then the current.



              If he would not to tell them, he can tell that his current job contract forbids him to tell salary to anyone.






              share|improve this answer
























                up vote
                3
                down vote














                in order to prevent HR from having this information and using it to offer a dramatically lower salary during the negotiation process, I want to tell him not to divulge his current/previous salary if asked.




                Yes, he should try to hide it. Usually, they tell not to ask for a higher salary, which would be 10-15% more then the current.



                If he would not to tell them, he can tell that his current job contract forbids him to tell salary to anyone.






                share|improve this answer






















                  up vote
                  3
                  down vote










                  up vote
                  3
                  down vote










                  in order to prevent HR from having this information and using it to offer a dramatically lower salary during the negotiation process, I want to tell him not to divulge his current/previous salary if asked.




                  Yes, he should try to hide it. Usually, they tell not to ask for a higher salary, which would be 10-15% more then the current.



                  If he would not to tell them, he can tell that his current job contract forbids him to tell salary to anyone.






                  share|improve this answer













                  in order to prevent HR from having this information and using it to offer a dramatically lower salary during the negotiation process, I want to tell him not to divulge his current/previous salary if asked.




                  Yes, he should try to hide it. Usually, they tell not to ask for a higher salary, which would be 10-15% more then the current.



                  If he would not to tell them, he can tell that his current job contract forbids him to tell salary to anyone.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered May 24 '13 at 22:53









                  BЈовић

                  1,4501524




                  1,4501524




















                      up vote
                      2
                      down vote













                      It's ok to not divulge it, but as others have said, if asked directly, refusing to answer can count against you. Therefore, have an answer prepared about the value you will bring to their position, and why it is worth the money you are requesting. Be willing to say something about how what he was earning at a different job has little or no bearing to the value he brings to this job. Point out that he's looking to earn more because the going rate is such and so, and why he is worth that or more. Give a ROI that justifies what he is asking.






                      share|improve this answer
















                      • 2




                        Why the downvotes? What you earn at one job should not affect what you are worth at the next. What you bring to the new job should determine your worth.
                        – thursdaysgeek
                        Apr 26 '13 at 21:34














                      up vote
                      2
                      down vote













                      It's ok to not divulge it, but as others have said, if asked directly, refusing to answer can count against you. Therefore, have an answer prepared about the value you will bring to their position, and why it is worth the money you are requesting. Be willing to say something about how what he was earning at a different job has little or no bearing to the value he brings to this job. Point out that he's looking to earn more because the going rate is such and so, and why he is worth that or more. Give a ROI that justifies what he is asking.






                      share|improve this answer
















                      • 2




                        Why the downvotes? What you earn at one job should not affect what you are worth at the next. What you bring to the new job should determine your worth.
                        – thursdaysgeek
                        Apr 26 '13 at 21:34












                      up vote
                      2
                      down vote










                      up vote
                      2
                      down vote









                      It's ok to not divulge it, but as others have said, if asked directly, refusing to answer can count against you. Therefore, have an answer prepared about the value you will bring to their position, and why it is worth the money you are requesting. Be willing to say something about how what he was earning at a different job has little or no bearing to the value he brings to this job. Point out that he's looking to earn more because the going rate is such and so, and why he is worth that or more. Give a ROI that justifies what he is asking.






                      share|improve this answer












                      It's ok to not divulge it, but as others have said, if asked directly, refusing to answer can count against you. Therefore, have an answer prepared about the value you will bring to their position, and why it is worth the money you are requesting. Be willing to say something about how what he was earning at a different job has little or no bearing to the value he brings to this job. Point out that he's looking to earn more because the going rate is such and so, and why he is worth that or more. Give a ROI that justifies what he is asking.







                      share|improve this answer












                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer










                      answered Apr 10 '13 at 23:03









                      thursdaysgeek

                      24.3k103998




                      24.3k103998







                      • 2




                        Why the downvotes? What you earn at one job should not affect what you are worth at the next. What you bring to the new job should determine your worth.
                        – thursdaysgeek
                        Apr 26 '13 at 21:34












                      • 2




                        Why the downvotes? What you earn at one job should not affect what you are worth at the next. What you bring to the new job should determine your worth.
                        – thursdaysgeek
                        Apr 26 '13 at 21:34







                      2




                      2




                      Why the downvotes? What you earn at one job should not affect what you are worth at the next. What you bring to the new job should determine your worth.
                      – thursdaysgeek
                      Apr 26 '13 at 21:34




                      Why the downvotes? What you earn at one job should not affect what you are worth at the next. What you bring to the new job should determine your worth.
                      – thursdaysgeek
                      Apr 26 '13 at 21:34










                      up vote
                      2
                      down vote













                      Responding honestly to that question will probably serve a candidate better than other ways of answering it. Avoiding the question will raise red flags. Do you really want your prospective employer (and not just HR, but your hiring manager/the interviewer) having an informal chat with your current or previous employer's HR staff, or supervisor? It likely won't be just about your salary, but on your secretive mannerisms... That is, if you've utterly aced the rest of your interview, such that your new employer even cares to follow up after that harbinger of future difficulties.

                      I recommend forthright honesty, especially on something that can be back-checked so easily. And instead of airing dissatisfaction over your current/previous compensation, the time might be better spent inquiring about your potential new group's salary range; what others with your qualifications and experience are currently making.






                      share|improve this answer




















                      • That would sound like retaliation in a lot of courts a professional hr person would never do that
                        – Pepone
                        Nov 28 '14 at 20:12










                      • The candidate would likely be unaware of that conversation happening.
                        – Nevin Williams
                        Nov 29 '14 at 3:08














                      up vote
                      2
                      down vote













                      Responding honestly to that question will probably serve a candidate better than other ways of answering it. Avoiding the question will raise red flags. Do you really want your prospective employer (and not just HR, but your hiring manager/the interviewer) having an informal chat with your current or previous employer's HR staff, or supervisor? It likely won't be just about your salary, but on your secretive mannerisms... That is, if you've utterly aced the rest of your interview, such that your new employer even cares to follow up after that harbinger of future difficulties.

                      I recommend forthright honesty, especially on something that can be back-checked so easily. And instead of airing dissatisfaction over your current/previous compensation, the time might be better spent inquiring about your potential new group's salary range; what others with your qualifications and experience are currently making.






                      share|improve this answer




















                      • That would sound like retaliation in a lot of courts a professional hr person would never do that
                        – Pepone
                        Nov 28 '14 at 20:12










                      • The candidate would likely be unaware of that conversation happening.
                        – Nevin Williams
                        Nov 29 '14 at 3:08












                      up vote
                      2
                      down vote










                      up vote
                      2
                      down vote









                      Responding honestly to that question will probably serve a candidate better than other ways of answering it. Avoiding the question will raise red flags. Do you really want your prospective employer (and not just HR, but your hiring manager/the interviewer) having an informal chat with your current or previous employer's HR staff, or supervisor? It likely won't be just about your salary, but on your secretive mannerisms... That is, if you've utterly aced the rest of your interview, such that your new employer even cares to follow up after that harbinger of future difficulties.

                      I recommend forthright honesty, especially on something that can be back-checked so easily. And instead of airing dissatisfaction over your current/previous compensation, the time might be better spent inquiring about your potential new group's salary range; what others with your qualifications and experience are currently making.






                      share|improve this answer












                      Responding honestly to that question will probably serve a candidate better than other ways of answering it. Avoiding the question will raise red flags. Do you really want your prospective employer (and not just HR, but your hiring manager/the interviewer) having an informal chat with your current or previous employer's HR staff, or supervisor? It likely won't be just about your salary, but on your secretive mannerisms... That is, if you've utterly aced the rest of your interview, such that your new employer even cares to follow up after that harbinger of future difficulties.

                      I recommend forthright honesty, especially on something that can be back-checked so easily. And instead of airing dissatisfaction over your current/previous compensation, the time might be better spent inquiring about your potential new group's salary range; what others with your qualifications and experience are currently making.







                      share|improve this answer












                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer










                      answered Apr 12 '13 at 18:04









                      Nevin Williams

                      1212




                      1212











                      • That would sound like retaliation in a lot of courts a professional hr person would never do that
                        – Pepone
                        Nov 28 '14 at 20:12










                      • The candidate would likely be unaware of that conversation happening.
                        – Nevin Williams
                        Nov 29 '14 at 3:08
















                      • That would sound like retaliation in a lot of courts a professional hr person would never do that
                        – Pepone
                        Nov 28 '14 at 20:12










                      • The candidate would likely be unaware of that conversation happening.
                        – Nevin Williams
                        Nov 29 '14 at 3:08















                      That would sound like retaliation in a lot of courts a professional hr person would never do that
                      – Pepone
                      Nov 28 '14 at 20:12




                      That would sound like retaliation in a lot of courts a professional hr person would never do that
                      – Pepone
                      Nov 28 '14 at 20:12












                      The candidate would likely be unaware of that conversation happening.
                      – Nevin Williams
                      Nov 29 '14 at 3:08




                      The candidate would likely be unaware of that conversation happening.
                      – Nevin Williams
                      Nov 29 '14 at 3:08












                       

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