When you are negotiating salary during the job search process, it is ultimately up to you and your comfort level to disclose your previous salary. Employers may ask you to provide your previous salary information and expectations, but there are no laws that require you to do so.
Consider the pros and cons that come with disclosing your previous salary before you decide.
On one hand, disclosing your past salary can help a hiring manager better understand your current expectations, and potentially start you at a higher rate of pay. If the employer knows your expectations based on past experience, they may be more inclined to pay a higher salary to keep you from taking jobs elsewhere.
Additionally, if your past salary was higher than what you’re technically qualified for, you may be offered more money due to your prior experience.
On the other hand, not disclosing your salary may give you more leverage. If you present yourself as an experienced professional without revealing your past salary, the employer’s expectations may be higher, and they may offer you a higher salary accordingly.
Although some hiring managers may become suspicious if you refuse to answer this question, not giving any information can be a strategic negotiation tactic in trying to get the highest salary possible.
Ultimately, the decision to disclose your previous salary is yours. If you are not comfortable sharing the information and it doesn’t seem to be a requirement for the position, you may want to consider keeping your past salary confidential and focus on negotiating for the best compensation for your experience.
Do employers look at previous salary?
Yes, employers may look at previous salary when considering a candidate for a job. This is because past salary can be an indication of the individual’s market value and enable the employer to decide whether the candidate’s experience is a good fit for their budget or not.
Employers may also use a candidate’s previous salary to determine the salary range they are willing to offer, so it can be an important factor in the decision-making process. For example, employers may use a candidate’s previous salary when they are evaluating their job history to determine whether the candidate is a good fit for their organization.
When employers do consider a candidate’s previous salary, they should also take other factors into account such as work experience, job performance, and personal skills. A candidate’s salary should not be the only determinant of their value, just one of many variables.
How do I refuse to disclose my salary?
Refusing to disclose your salary is a reasonable choice, but it can be difficult to do in some cases. Depending on the situation, you may need to explain why it’s important to keep your salary private.
There are a few approaches you can take when asked to disclose your salary.
Firstly, you can politely explain that you do not feel comfortable talking about your salary. It is important to be firm and assertive, but polite to maintain a professional attitude. You can also explain that your salary is a personal matter, and you would prefer not to disclose the information.
Explain that you value your privacy and would prefer not to discuss the matter any further.
Another approach is to redirect the conversation and offer to provide other information that may be more relevant to the situation. If you are applying for a job, you can provide references or go into detail about your qualifications instead.
It is also important to remember that in some cases, refusing to disclose your salary could limit your opportunities. Depending on the circumstances, it may be beneficial to be open and transparent about the information.
Overall, refusing to disclose your salary is a personal choice. Be firm but polite, and be prepared to explain why maintaining your privacy is important to you.
What states is it illegal to ask previous salary?
It is currently illegal for employers to ask about a person’s salary history in California, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New York City, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.
Employers in Colorado, New Jersey, Pittsburgh, and Vermont are prohibited from asking job applicants about their salary history, though employers in Vermont may ask about a job applicant’s salary expectations if the question is asked of all applicants for the same position.
In addition, a number of states have legislation in progress that would make it illegal for employers to ask about salary history in the future, including Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, and Washington.
Why are salaries kept secret?
Salaries are typically kept secret because salaries can be a sensitive topic that employers prefer to keep confidential. The salaries of some employees may be higher than others and employers may not want to create negative feelings or an atmosphere of resentmen among their employees.
Additionally, by keeping salaries secret, employers are able to keep certain compensation strategies confidential, such as pay increases and bonuses. Keeping salaries from being public can also make it difficult for competitors to know how much the company is spending on employee compensation, which can protect the company from malicious activity.
Overall, keeping salaries confidential can be beneficial for both employers and employees.
How do you respond to salary expectations?
When asked about my salary expectations, I respond in a thoughtful and professional manner that reflects my value and experience in the particular role I am applying for. I always research salaries for similar positions so that I can come to the conversation prepared and well informed.
Depending on the situation I may ask for the range that has been budgeted, so that I can make an informed response as to what I think would be a fair and equitable salary for both the company and myself.
I am also willing to discuss salary details further if the employer wishes.
How do you talk about your previous salary in an interview?
When discussing previous salary in an interview, it is important to be honest and informed. It is helpful to have a good understanding of the current market rate for the position you are applying for so that you can negotiate your salary with confidence.
When the interviewer brings up your salary history, if the particular figure is more than you are currently looking for, explain that you were able to negotiate a higher salary at your previous job, and that your primary goal is to find a position where you can contribute at the highest level and grow professionally.
If the particular figure is lower than you are hoping to receive, explain that you were a junior or entry-level in your previous role and now have more valuable experience and a greater understanding of the position and its potential.
You should also prepare questions to ask the interviewer that can help you better understand the company’s salary structure and projected salary growth. This will allow you to have an informed conversation with the hiring team and make sure that the salary they are offering is fair and in line with your expectations.
Ultimately, by being informed and honest, you can offer the interviewer an accurate picture of your value and win the job offer that you deserve.
Should you put previous salary on job application?
When deciding whether to include your previous salary on your job application, there are several factors to consider. Ultimately, it is a personal decision and there is no one “right” answer.
On one hand, revealing your past salary could potentially give you an edge. It may provide an immediate understanding of your compensation history and make it easier for an employer to make a salary offer in line with your previous wages.
On the other hand, some employers may use this information to make salary decisions that are unfair, such as offering lower salaries to female candidates, or to minorities.
No matter which way you decide to go, be prepared to discuss your previous salary and how it directly supports the job requirements you’re applying for. Be honest about your past compensation and make sure you’re open about any aspects of your experience that helped you to achieve it.
Furthermore, be prepared to explain any differences in salary you may have earned throughout your career.
Ultimately, it’s important to educate yourself about local and industry salary standards and levels beforehand. That way, you can be sure that you’re not selling yourself short or selling yourself out of the running altogether.
At the end of the day, be aware that job seekers have the right to leave salary information blank on applications and are not obligated to provide prior salary history.
Is it OK to leave desired salary blank?
It is not recommended to leave desired salary blank when completing a job application. Your desired salary should reflect the value that you bring to the position, taking into account your skills and experience.
This helps employers initiate a salary negotiation that could be advantageous for both parties. If you leave the field blank, you may be limiting yourself to whatever the employer is willing to offer, or you might inadvertently price yourself out of the job market.
If an application or website you are using asks you to provide your salary expectations it’s best to provide a range in which you are comfortable. That way, you can show an employer you have done your research to understand what’s fair in the industry and your particular experience level.
You don’t want to risk a potential employer disregarding your application simply because you didn’t make it clear what you expect. Ultimately, your desired salary should be realistic and commensurate with your experience level.
Should I be honest about desired salary?
Yes, you should be honest about your desired salary when applying for jobs. Honesty and transparency about your expectations will help employers get a better understanding of your qualifications and experience, as well as how much you are value.
It is important to go into a job negotiation prepared, so being honest about your desired salary and having strong negotiation skills will give you a better chance of obtaining a salary that you’re satisfied with.
Additionally, employers appreciate honesty and if they can trust you to be open and straightforward, they will be more likely to reward you with a higher salary. Finally, it can also potentially lead to a more stable job and longer-term employment, since employers will be more likely to invest in you if they know what you want.
What should you put for desired salary?
When considering what to put for desired salary, it’s important to research the common market rate for the position you’re applying for. Consider the market, similar job postings, and salaries of your peers.
Make sure the number you provide is realistic, but also realistic to what you expect to receive depending on your qualifications, experience, and any other factors.
When determining your desired salary figure, be sure to keep in mind your current salary, any benefits you receive, and other factors that may increase your current worth or worth of the job you’re applying for.
Additionally, keep in mind any benefits or “perks” that you currently receive or may receive from a potential employer that may offset some of the cost of the job. For example, the ability to work from home could greatly reduce costs, while corporate training and development could require an employer to pay more.
When providing a desired salary figure, consider the total compensation you’d like to receive and use that number as a starting point, being sure to also consider any potential negotiation that may occur.
It’s also important to consider whether the salary is negotiable, so you don’t present a figure that’s significantly higher than what is necessary.
In short, when it comes to determining desired salary, research the position and average market rate, keep in mind your current salary and benefits, consider the total compensation you’d like to receive, and understand if the salary figure is negotiable.
How do you avoid desired salary answer?
When you are asked to provide your salary expectations during the interview process, it is important to respond strategically in order to avoid giving a number that is too low or too high. The most effective way to approach this situation is to explain that you are interested in learning more about the job requirements and the company before submitting a desired salary.
You can also emphasize how eager you are to learn more about how your qualifications could benefit the position and align with the company’s objectives. Additionally, you can suggest a “fair” salary range of what you expect and explain that you are happy to negotiate further once you have a better understanding of the job duties, job market and company culture.