Salary wizard discusses interview strategy
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.
Consider the following if you are pressured for your salary history when you aren’t comfortable with it:
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 pressed to disclose the previous salary, as is mentioned by other respondents, mention with the total value of your compensation package. Also, re-iterate that it is not the same company, and so your previous salary is not terribly pertinent. There are so many factors including work life balance, benefits, holidays, paid overtime, etc,etc, that 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) You may had a valid reason in your past for working at a job where the pay wasn’t up to industry standards. No matter what, it does not explain the value you will add to the company in a new job. You should always state your case for earning at least fair market value for the job, and know that if you’re a top performer, that you should be at higher levels.
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.
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.
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