Notes About Business

It is not a good idea to discuss salary early in an interview. It can be too much information when trying to negotiate a new salary, but how can you dodge the question?

A good rule of thumb is to always be honest. Discussing salary during the early part of the recruiting process is not a good idea.

Consider the following if you are pressured for your salary history when you aren’t comfortable with it:

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) You have to know where you stand in terms of the market. Know the going salary range for the job you are in and the skill level and experience you have for your region. You should know what level you can ask for and expect to get by doing your research.

4) Even if you were earning a low salary before, possibly even below the industry standards for that job, you should expect to be paid within that range when you go to your next job. You may have one of many reasons for taking an lower salary at your previous job. It does NOT explain your worth to the new employer, bottom line!

5) If you divulge your salary, restate that you expect to be paid the standard industry rate for the posting, and explain what you do understand about the industry at that time. Most employers will respect you for standing your ground on the matter. Just remember negotiating is not a hostile situation, so remember to be firm in your stance but respectful in your demeanor.

Do not lie in your interview. The employer has ways to detect what you really earned, either through asking you to produce a pay stub, or asking if they can confirm it with your previous employer. Remember, the value you bring is the value you bring, and that is the bottom line if the employer wants to hire you.