Salary wizard discusses interview strategy
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?
It is a bad idea to discuss salary early in the hiring process. However if it comes up, do not get yourself caught in a lie.
My preference when pressed for an answer is as follows:
1) State that you’d rather not answer that question because your previous salary is not terribly relevant to the current job you’re applying to. You’d rather be paid commensurate with the market and within the companies standard guidelines for the role and responsibility.
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) 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 tell a lie to your prospective employer. Just be aware that they have ways of knowing or discovering the truth that you don’t have control over. The most important thing is to communicate honestly the value you can bring to the employer and impress them with that.
