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.
My preference when pressed for an answer is as follows:
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 the employer insists you mention your previous salary, mention with the total value of your salary package. Also, restate that it is not the same company you will be working for, and so your past salary is not related. There are so many factors including lifestyle, vacation, time in lieu of pay and other things that also factor in.
3) Be aware before going into the interview what the standard range is for that job, and know where your performance level would be within that range. Most people are not at the top end of the salary range, so unless you are a total star, don't expect the absolute max unless you can justify it. Your clout will be confirmed by your reference checks it will be obvious if you are not in the highest percentiles.
4) Regardless of whether or not you were earning at or below or even above the market average for your career, your past salary is not relevant. You may have had any number of reasons for working below market in the past, but what is important now is that you earn current market rates for the work you do. Your past doesn't explain your worth as a resource to the new employer.
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. - 16459
My first rule of thumb is to never lie. It is not very good to talk about the salary, especially during an early interview.
My preference when pressed for an answer is as follows:
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 the employer insists you mention your previous salary, mention with the total value of your salary package. Also, restate that it is not the same company you will be working for, and so your past salary is not related. There are so many factors including lifestyle, vacation, time in lieu of pay and other things that also factor in.
3) Be aware before going into the interview what the standard range is for that job, and know where your performance level would be within that range. Most people are not at the top end of the salary range, so unless you are a total star, don't expect the absolute max unless you can justify it. Your clout will be confirmed by your reference checks it will be obvious if you are not in the highest percentiles.
4) Regardless of whether or not you were earning at or below or even above the market average for your career, your past salary is not relevant. You may have had any number of reasons for working below market in the past, but what is important now is that you earn current market rates for the work you do. Your past doesn't explain your worth as a resource to the new employer.
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. - 16459
About the Author:
Trevor Davide Grant is a IT manager in the IT field and has extensive experience in salary negotiation. Trevor has worked for global telecom, electric utilities, software development consulting, and a prominent web 2.0 site. He has learned salary negotiating in the most effective way. Learn great tips on the topic of salary negotiating at www.HowToNegotiateASalary.com.
